I propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 58, 98 and 111 together The Government considered my proposals for the preparation of the proposed White Paper on Defence in late July.
The Government approved the following objectives for the White Paper: to provide a medium term policy framework within which Defence policy can evolve to set out a clear strategy for the next ten years; to provide a framework to include the input of the Minister for Foreign Affairs deriving from the overall international security context and the Minister for Justice with regard to the national security environment; to provide for the continuation of the reform programme, already commenced under the Defence Forces Review Implementation Plan, of Defence services especially in relation to the future size, configuration, deployment and resourcing (financial, infrastructural and equipment) of the Defence Forces consistent with the national and international security environment and the state of the public finances; to ensure that the on-going development of the management of Defence services is in accordance with the evolution of the Strategic Management Initiative centrally; and, to provide a medium term programme for the evolution of Civil Defence policy and as a follow-up to the present Towards 2000 Strategy.
There is no delay in the publication of the White Paper. I made it clear from the outset that as this is the first White Paper on Defence, it should be given adequate time. Important decisions in the Defence area are proceeding in relation to, for example, barracks rationalisation, the on-going reorganisation of the Defence Forces under the Defence Forces Review Implementation plan and of course the need to tackle the hearing loss compensation issue.
The necessary work required by the Government's decision on the White Paper is proceeding. This is based on the work of my own Department, civil and military, as well as appropriate inputs from other Ministers, including the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
As this is the first White Paper of its kind, I wish to ensure that all of the issues raised are reflected upon adequately. The timetable for work is provisional but I would see the on-going consultations being undertaken over the coming months with the intention of being in a position to put a draft for consideration by the Government by the summer of next year.