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Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton TD today published the First Report under the Control of Exports Act 2008. The report covers the period 2008-2010. This legislation provides the legal basis for export controls, the licensing regime and the overall regulatory environment relating to the export of dual use and military goods. In addition, a number of directly effective EU Regulations regulate the export of these goods from the EU.

The objective of providing an annual report under the Act is to provide the public with a much greater level of transparency about exports of controlled goods and services, and an understanding of how export control operates. The report sets out the legislative context in which export control operates, the range of products and services controlled and the involvement of different Departments and State bodies throughout the process.

Announcing the publication, the Minister said:

“The Control of Exports Act 2008 made important changes in modernising our export control regime and increasing the transparency with which Government treats this type of information. I am pleased to launch the first report under this piece of legislation.

“While exports play a vital role in our economy, it is also crucial that exports of sensitive materials be subject to an effective regulatory and licensing regime, and that regular and detailed information on such exports is published and available for any member of the public to view. This report is an important part of that process.

“I also recognise that publication of reports like this can mean that the information can be dated by the time it is published. To provide more regular information on the licensing regime I will shortly commence publishing summary data on the export of controlled products on the Department’s website every six months”.

“Export control covers a huge range of policy issues that include aspects of trade, business regulation, how we regulate but also promote high technology sectors and issues of security and human rights. This report describes cooperation between Government Departments and others that is all part of a sound and joined up approach to effective export control. This

cooperation is central to facilitate legitimate trade while guarding

against transactions that could affect human rights, our foreign policy or our objectives on non-proliferation.”

The report can be viewed at: