Tighter controls 'will not outlaw arms traders'
Arms manufacturers will still be allowed to trade from Ireland under new export laws announced by the Government today.
Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Michael Ahern said the proposed legislation would tighten controls on weapons and military technology being sold abroad from the state.
A Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment spokeswoman confirmed it would be not be outlawing businesses in the arms trade.
“This is about complying with internationally-agreed trade embargoes,” she said. “We don’t want to restrict legitimate trading.”
Mr Ahern insisted Ireland had no arms trade and stressed there was no desire to promote one.
Hours earlier, anti-war protesters stormed a software development company in Derry, which, they claim, is making high-tech equipment being used to kill in the Middle East.
The Cabinet last month approved the Control of Exports Bill, to be brought before the Oireachtas in the autumn, which will regulate arms deals in Ireland and by Irish people abroad.
It allows for certain controls on the selling of technical help, software and other technological aids that could be used in a military capacity.
Penalties for flouting the export laws are to be increased from a maximum of €12,700 under the existing law, introduced in 1983, to a two-year jail sentence.
Government inspectors will be allowed to scrutinise companies involved in exporting military goods or products that could be used as weapons.
“The proposed legislation will update the existing Control of Exports Act, which dates from 1983, and will ensure that Ireland’s export controls are in line with best international practise,” said Minister Ahern.
He said the Government supported world efforts to control the arms trade and prevent weapons of mass destruction being developed.
“I should also like to stress that licences for military exports from Ireland are granted in strict accordance with the EU Code of Conduct on Arms Exports, which sets out the criteria that must be satisfied before an export can take place,” he said.
“These include respect for human rights and the rule of law in the country of final destination and regional peace and security.”
