Vol. 443 No. 5
22 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will publish a Green Paper outlining the options open to this country in regard to foreign affairs; when it is expected that the White Paper will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I announced in early February my intention to publish a White Paper on Foreign Policy within the next 12 months. I envisage that the White Paper will cover the full spectrum of political, economic, and other issues arising in the formulation of Irish foreign policy.
In announcing this intention, I emphasised my desire to stimulate open and well-informed debate about the future direction of our foreign policy. I want to encourage wider participation in policy formulation and to develop a sense of ownership of policy on the part of the Irish people. While I do not envisage publication of a Green Paper, I am taking steps to ensure that the major issues are clearly identified and policy options outlined in order to encourage a coherent and well-focused debate.
In a speech to the Association of European Journalists on 22 April, I set out some of the main themes that I believe should be addressed in the White Paper. Since then, I have written to a very wide range of interested groups inviting them to make submissions to my Department in advance of the preparation of the White Paper. I have also invited the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs to participate fully in the process.
My Department is beginning work on the organisation of a number of seminars around the country which will provide an opportunity for interested individuals and bodies to present their views.
