10th December 2002

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Ó Snodaigh demands investigation and answers on military exports

In response to last week's revelations linking the Galway Hewlett-Packard (formerly Compaq)-based High Performance Technical Computing Group to nuclear testing, Sinn Fein spokesperson on International Affairs and Defence Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has called for an investigation into these operations, a review of Ireland's military export control system, and clarification on the Government's role.

Speaking after raising the issue in the Dáil today, Deputy Ó Snodaigh said:

``It is alleged that the Galway operation is engaged in manufacturing supercomputers that simulate nuclear weapons tests for the French and US nuclear weapons programmes. If this is true, it is contrary to international law, and should not be allowed to continue. It reveals serious flaws in the transparency of arms trade-related sales from Ireland, and therefore I am calling for an investigation into this matter, and for a review of Ireland's current military export control system.

``At the same time, it begs the question - was the Government aware of this involvement, and have they allowed it to go on. If so, this would also need to be investigated.''

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