Frances Fitzgerald
Question:116 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the public consultation, if any, he intends to have in the development of the White Paper on Foreign Policy. [655/94]
Written Answers. - White Paper on Foreign Policy.
I announced my intentions in relation to public consultation in the preparation of the White Paper on Foreign Policy on 22 April, in a speech to the Association of European Journalists. In that speech, I indicated that I would contact a wide range of groups, inviting their input to the preparation of the White Paper. I also pointed out that my Department was beginning work on the organisation of a number of seminars around the country, with a view to providing an opportunity for interested individuals and bodies to present their views. Furthermore, I stressed that those who wish to make a contribution need not await a specific invitation, and that I would be happy to receive submissions on any area to be addressed by the White Paper.
I subsequently wrote to a large number of organisations interested in the field of foreign policy, inviting them to submit their views by the end of November of this year. I am glad to say that a number of submissions have already been received and that I am aware that many more are in preparation.
I would like to repeat that anybody who wishes to make known their views on any aspect of foreign policy, in the context of the White Paper, is welcome to do so by writing to me, preferably by the end of November.
Preparations of the seminars is continuing in my Department. My intention is to arrange for a total of seven seminars to be held in a number of venues around the country between now and next spring. Each seminar will focus on a particular aspect of foreign policy. They will be open to representatives of interested bodies and members of the public, subject obviously, to limitations of space. The first seminar, dealing with Development Co-operation, will take place early next month. I will shortly be announcing details of this and other seminars.