Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Ireland supports the pursuit of open, free and responsible trade rooted in the multilateral, rules-based system, while also recognising the vital importance of global security and humanitarian considerations in trade.

My Department is the National Competent Authority for EU Export Controls in respect of a range of sensitive goods, principally, 'Dual-use' items and defence-related equipment.

‘Dual-use’ items are products and components, including software and technology, that can be used for both civil and military applications. The ‘Dual-use’ exports from Ireland are predominantly mainstream business ICT products, both hardware and software, (networking, data storage, cybersecurity). They are categorised as ‘Dual-use’ items as a consequence of the fact that they make use of strong encryption for data protection purposes.

The value of individual 'Dual-Use' export authorisations issued in respect end users in Israel from 2019 to date is as follows: 4.7 million euros in 2019, 7 million euros in 2020, 10.4 million euros in 2021, 10.7 million euros in 2022 and 66.5 million euros in 2023.

Controls on the export of defence-related equipment are administered in accordance with the Control of Exports Act 2008. The list of equipment subject to these controls is set out in the Common Military List of the EU. No authorisations for exports of defence-related goods were issued in the period from 2019 to date.

My Department operates a robust and transparent system of export controls that requires balancing legitimate trade by Irish exporters with reputable end users against the possibility that goods could be diverted to an undesirable end use.

When assessing applications for exports of controlled goods my officials consider the eight criteria set out in the European Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP defining common rules governing control of exports of military technology and equipment. The criteria include: international obligations and export control commitments; respect for human rights in the end user country; preservation of peace, security and stability and the risk that the goods or technology may be diverted.

As a matter of policy and practice my Department consults with the Department of Foreign Affairs on all applications for ‘Dual-use’ and defence related exports in respect of foreign policy concerns, including human rights considerations, that may arise with a proposed export. This advice is an integral part of the decision making process and is particularly important in relation to sensitive destinations, where the geopolitical situation is constantly evolving.