Sir, - As the UN prepares to host a conference on the "Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in all its aspects" in July 2001, it is opportune for Ireland to take stock of its growing involvement in the international arms trade.
The Africa-Europe Faith & Justice Network is a network of missionaries which campaigns for justice for Africa. Many of our Irish members working onthe ground in Africa witness, almost daily, the horrendous effect of small arms in the hands of child soldiers in war situations, as well as the marauding of armed criminal gangs. Each country involved in the arms industry carries its own responsibility for this situation, and Ireland is no exception.
The AEFJN applauds the Irish Government for its earlier support of the European Code of Conduct on the export of arms. However, recent developments in the arms industry in Ireland give very serious grounds for concern. The huge increase in the number of export licences granted for items linked to the arms trade, from 81 in 1996 to 2,040 in 1999, makes one wonder if Ireland's position has radically altered.
It is unacceptable that our Government should preach peace in this country while facilitating our participation in the notoriously corrupt and cynical international trade in arms. The AEFJN calls on the Tanaiste (whose Department carries responsibility for granting licences) to publish a full report on what controls operate in regard to the subsequent use of Irish-made arms components. If our control is in practice negligible, the Irish people should be informed.
The shattered lives and limbs of African children and adults demand that we face up to our moral responsibility for making money out of arms exports. - Yours, etc.,
Fr Fachtna O'Driscoll, SMA, AEFJN, African Missions, Blackrock Road, Cork.