Liz McManus
Question:65 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Defence when the promised White Paper on defence will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4919/98]
Written Answers. - White Paper on Defence.
Paul Connaughton
Question:69 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Defence the progress, if any, which has been made in the White Paper on defence; and when it will be published. [4801/98]
P. J. Sheehan
Question:141 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for Defence the measures, if any, he proposes to adopt to ensure comprehensive consultation on the development of the White Paper on defence both within the Defence Forces and with the general public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4864/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 65, 69 and 141 together.
As I have informed the House, preliminary planning work has commenced in relation to the proposed White Paper on defence. As the Deputies will appreciate, this is the first such White Paper and it is important that this planning phase is given sufficient emphasis.
However, I also want the process as a whole to be completed within a reasonable time-frame. This time-frame must give adequate provision to complete the necessary planning work, consultative inputs, detailed consideration and finally drafting of the White Paper. I am certain that the Deputies will wish to make an input to the process and I propose to bring my proposals in this regard to Government very shortly. Briefly, I see the completion of the White Paper as falling within two phases: the first of these will provide for a consultative process in which all interested parties will have an opportunity to make a submission on any aspect of the White Paper. Alongside this consultative phase there will be a reflective process in which, inter alia, the progress achieved to date in the reorganisation of the Defence Forces can be assessed. The consultative phase will of course also provide for appropriate contact with the Defence Forces representative associations. The main point will be that anyone who wishes to make an input to the process may take the opportunity that will be offered.
While I have naturally been reluctant to indicate a specific date upon which the White Paper will be completed, particularly when it is the first of its kind and we have yet to see what issues are presented through the consultative process, I would hope to be in a position to put a draft for consideration by the Government by early next year.