State exports over €2bn in military hardware

IRELAND exported more than €2 billion worth of restricted military and dual-use equipment in 2003, latest figures reveal.

The figures come as the Government prepares to publish a Forfás report into Ireland’s arms industry, which focuses on deficiencies in the export licensing control system.

According to the export licensing unit of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, 81 licences for the export of specific weaponry-related goods were authorised while 888 dual-use licences for goods which can have a military use were issued.