Frances Fitzgerald
Question:186 Ms Fitzgerald 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. [5221/98]
Written Answers. - White Paper on Defence.
Frances Fitzgerald
Question:195 Ms Fitzgerald 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 with the Defence Forces and the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5230/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 186 and 195 together.
Preliminary planning work has commenced in relation to the proposed White Paper on Defence. As the Deputy 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. Adequate provision must be made to complete the necessary planning work, consultative inputs, detailed consideration and, finally, drafting of the White Paper. 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 hope to be in a position to put a draft for consideration by the Government by early next year.