White Paper on Defence

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 September 2011

Tuesday, 27 September 2011

Questions (390)

David Stanton

Question:

422 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence when he expects the White Paper on Defence to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25835/11]

Written answers

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The first White Paper on Defence was published in February 2000 and was intended to encompass the period to end 2010. Whilst preliminary work on the preparation of a new White Paper had been ongoing, I decided to expand the planned consultative process by initiating the preparation of a Green Paper on Defence. This discussion paper will act as a catalyst to ensure an appropriate level of debate on Defence and inform the development of the new White Paper. I hope to have the Green Paper finalised and published by early 2012.

Question No. 423 withdrawn.