Vol. 491 No. 7
33 Mr. Deenihan 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; the proposed timetable in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12974/98]
52 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Defence the progress made to date in regard to the promised White Paper on Defence; when it is likely to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12982/98]
69 Mr. Naughten 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; the proposed timetable in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9071/98]
79 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Defence the progress, if any, made in the White Paper on Defence; the timetable in this regard; the procedures and consultations it is intended to use in its preparation; and the progress to date in this regard. [12972/98]
87 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Defence the progress, if any, made in the White Paper on Defence; the timetable in this regard; the procedures and consultations it is intended to use in its preparation; and the progress to date in this regard. [9054/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 33, 52, 69, 79 and 87 together.
Preliminary planning work on the White Paper on Defence is continuing. This work is directed at identifying all of the issues to be comprehended by the White Paper and developing approaches for dealing with these. The White Paper will set out the medium-term policy framework and approaches for the direction and management of defence. It will be 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.
Consultation will be comprehensive and will make provision for the input of all of those who wish to do so. In particular, consultation will take place with the Defence Forces representative associations and special arrangements are being made in this regard.
I have also said that 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 consultative process being undertaken over the coming months with the intention of being in a position to put a draft for consideration to the Government by early next year.
