Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 February 2013
12. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline the details of what is contained in the Green Paper on the Future of Ireland's Defence Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6080/13]
View answer37. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Defence the date on which the Green Paper on Defence will be published. [6125/13]
View answer42. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline the details of what is contained in the Green Paper on the Future of Ireland's Defence Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6081/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 12, 37 and 42 together.
I am of the view that the preparation for a new White Paper on Defence will benefit greatly from an informed and wide-ranging debate on Ireland’s defence policy. To that end I decided to initiate the preparation of a Green Paper on Defence. When published, the Green Paper will initiate and inform a broad consultative process as part of the development of a new White Paper.
A draft Green Paper was submitted to me recently for my consideration. The approach taken is to assess the defence and security environment and on this basis to pose questions to inform the debate on Defence policy.
I will shortly bring a Memorandum for Government to Cabinet seeking formal approval to publish the document and to initiate the consultation process to inform the White Paper on Defence.
The views of members of the public and other interested parties on defence policy and defence provision will be welcomed during the consultative phase.
The new White Paper on Defence is scheduled for completion in early 2014.
