Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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169. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update on the work of his Department as one of the three national competent authorities for EU sanctions with specific responsibility for the implementation of trade sanctions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5337/23]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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EU sanctions are instruments used by the EU to bring about a change in policy or behaviour by the target country, entity or individual. The EU currently has 45 sanctions regimes in force.

EU sanctions are given legal effect via EU Regulations. These Regulations have direct effect in all Member States of the EU, and, as such, are legally binding on all natural and legal persons in Ireland. Individuals and economic operators, therefore, have an obligation to ensure that they are in full compliance with these new measures. A natural or legal person who contravenes a provision of an EU sanctions regulation shall be guilty of an offence and liable to prosecution.

The EU has adopted nine packages of sanctions in response to the situation in Ukraine since 23 February 2022.

The trade sanctions, which are unprecedented in their breadth and sophistication, prohibit the export and import of extensive lists of goods and services to and from Russia and Belarus and are carefully calibrated to degrade Russia’s military and industrial capabilities, as well as its ability to finance its aggression. The sanctions prohibit the export of goods and technology which might contribute to Russia’s military and technological enhancement, or the development of its defence and security sector. They also prohibit the import of goods which generate significant revenues for Russia thereby enabling its actions in Ukraine.

There are three National Competent Authorities in the State for EU sanctions: the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment; the Department of Foreign Affairs; and the Central Bank of Ireland. My Department works in close co-operation with the other National Competent Authorities, and other Government Departments, on the domestic implementation of EU sanctions.

My Department has specific responsibility for implementing those EU sanctions which relate to trade. The Department works closely with the Office of the Revenue Commissioners to ensure comprehensive implementation of the trade measures.