Dual-use export licences
Patrick Costello raised concerns that dual-use export licences to Palestine were being granted despite the human rights situation. The Taoiseach said he would speak to the Minister of State with responsibility and revert directly.
I also raise the issue of dual-use exports to Palestine. As has been said, since 7 October, €32 million worth of dual-use export licences have been granted. In granting a dual-use export licence, the Department of trade is supposed to consider the human rights record and respect for international law of the destination country. Surely, since 7 October, everything we have seen would suggest that there is no respect for human rights or international law. Equally, everything we have seen in the brutal occupation of Palestine would suggest that there is no respect for human rights or international law by the Israeli Government. I do not understand how we are still granting licences to export €32 million worth of dual-use goods to the Israeli Government. In light of the recent ICJ ruling and the brutal assault on Rafah, surely we should review our dual-use licensing.
