The Department of Enterprise took part in a "closed door" and “strictly confidential” meeting with a lobbying group representing arms manufacturers like Lockheed Martin, Saab and KNDS.
Two senior civil servants at the department met with the Irish Defence and Security Association (IDSA) last June in a private members' club – with the invitation marked "Strictly Confidential to IDSA Members" and "personal and non-transferable".
The meeting gave representatives for arms dealers access to officials with powers to block or impose conditions on foreign investments deemed threats to security or public order.
‘The unit also regulates the export of dual-use items’
The Department of Enterprise’s trade regulation and investment screening unit oversees foreign investment in Ireland.
Legislation governing the unit gives the state powers to block or impose conditions on foreign investments it considers threats to security or public order.
The unit also regulates the export of dual-use items, military equipment and other controlled goods.
Last year on 23 June two principal officers at the department met with arms lobby group the Irish Defence and Security Association in the Stephen's Green Club.
An invitation sent to IDSA members said "the briefing and informal discussion will focus on relevant processes and practical implications for enterprises and the applied research/R&D sector”.
The meeting agenda included a 15-minute "briefing" period followed by 45 minutes of "facilitated information exchange and informal group discussion" during which "IDSA members share their perspectives in detail while introducing their respective enterprises”.
A Department of Enterprise spokesperson said two of its civil servants attended the meeting "to discuss the process involved in applying for export control licences following the commencement of the Control of Exports Act 2023 in August 2024."
No attendee from the department was senior enough to be required to register lobbying activity.
IDSA has filed 18 lobbying returns since its foundation in 2021.
Last year The Ditch reported the group arranged a confidential meeting with senior staff from the Department of Defence at the Royal Marine Hotel in Dún Laoghaire in November 2024. Organisers told attendees to keep the meeting secret and avoid mentioning it online.
IDSA member Lockheed Martin has provided weaponry deployed in both Gaza and Yemen, while KNDS weapons have been identified in the conflict in South Sudan.
IDSA declined to comment.
