Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2026
296. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether his Department is aware of reports that materials produced by a company (details supplied) may have entered supply chains linked to Russia’s military-industrial sector; whether any investigation is underway; and the steps being taken to ensure full compliance by Irish-based companies with EU sanctions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47797/26]
View answerThere are currently 3 National Competent Authorities for Ireland and my Department has responsibility (policy, administration and enforcement) for certain elements of trade sanctions, primarily dual use and military goods.
Exporters are required to carry out due diligence and ensure that they are in compliance with EU sanctions and legislation. The onus is on exporters to know their clients. In cases where there is a suspicion that there may have been a possible breach of export controls or sanctions by an exporter, my Department will carry out an examination of all relevant circumstances including, where necessary, an evaluation of the company’s ownership structure and trading activity.
Aughinish Alumina is not subject to any sanctions by the EU and alumina is not a sanctioned good therefore its export to other countries, including Russia, is not restricted. I am aware of an Irish Times report about the company’s exports to Russia. The report indicates the potential for the alumina being refined and ultimately processed into aluminium for use by the Russian military and sourced through a sanctioned entity. Officials in my Department are currently conducting an independent review into the issues raised in the report.
