Irish Government secrecy over military exports to Israel

THE Irish Government is refusing to reveal details of what type of equipment was involved in export licences for €6.4million worth of military goods for Israel approved by the Fine Gael/Labour administration in the past three years.

The Government refuses to give details of what type of equipment was involved, referring to the broad headings of “ground vehicles, components” and “technology”, writes Political Correspondent Shaun Connolly in today’s Irish Examiner.

“New figures show that two military licences totalling €126,637 were approved this year in the run-up to the Israeli onslaught on Gaza,” Shaun Connolly says.

The licences are specifically for military exports and not the “dual use” category for materials that can be used for either civilian or military purposes by the country being exported to.

Sinn Féin’s Pádraig Mac Lochlainn TD (pictured) has demanded that the Irish Government is more open about the situation.

“We need far more transparency regarding what is being covered by these licences.

“I am very concerned that these exports are being used by the Israeli military.

“There is absolutely no reason why the Government cannot show more accountability in this matter. They should come clean.”