Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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53. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department has a policy in relation to the industrial promotion of the military arms industry in Ireland and if so, if ethical considerations are taken into account in deciding policy. [53741/22]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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67. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department has issued guidelines to the agencies under the aegis of his Department in relation to supporting the lethal arms industry in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53742/22]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 67 together.

Successive Irish governments have followed a policy of military neutrality, which is characterised by non-membership of military alliances.

Irish neutrality goes hand in hand with our promotion of international peace and stability. We are committed to our obligations as members of the United Nations, including the obligation, under chapter 7 of the UN Charter, to assist in implementing UN Security Council Resolutions which aim to maintain international peace and security.

As part of our commitment to promote international peace and stability, Ireland participates, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, in the leading, multi-lateral, non-proliferation regimes, namely, the Australia Group which deals with biotechnology; the Chemical Weapons Convention; the Missile Technology Control Regime; the Nuclear Suppliers Group; and the Wassenaar Arrangement, which deals with technology and industrial items.

These regimes underpin the multi-lateral framework of Export Controls designed to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, to preserve regional stability, to prevent terrorism and to protect human rights. Export Controls generally take the form of a legal obligation on exporters to obtain prior authorisation i.e., an Export Licence, from the national competent authority in a State for the export to third countries of certain, designated goods.

My Department is the National Competent Authority responsible for administering EU Export Controls in respect of Military equipment, in accordance with the European Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP defining common rules governing control of exports of military technology and equipment.

The list of Military equipment subject to these controls is set out in the Common Military List of the European Union.

All applications for export authorisations in respect of Military equipment are subject to rigorous scrutiny by my officials and assessed against the eight assessment criteria set out in Article 2 of Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP.

The application is also reviewed against any EU Restrictive Measures, such as trade sanctions or arms embargoes, that may be in place in respect of the destination country.

My officials also consult with the Department of Foreign Affairs on any foreign policy concerns, including human rights considerations, that may arise from the proposed export.

Ireland does not have an arms industry and is not therefore an exporter of military weapons. Export licences are granted in respect of exports of personal firearms for hunting, sporting and recreational activities; explosives for civil engineering applications; aircraft and related equipment and components; ground vehicles and components; electronic control systems and software.

My Department operates an outreach programme with companies, representative bodies and state agencies to raise awareness of Export Controls and to support compliance.

Enterprise Ireland is precluded from promoting military arms, unless sanctioned by the Government. Similarly, in line with legal constraints on its remit, IDA does not target companies producing military goods.