Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 March 2014
139. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the White Paper on Defence; and if we can expect to see it published prior to the end of this Dáil session in July. [12873/14]
View answer828. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Defence the date on which the White Paper on Defence will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13482/14]
View answer839. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence when the White Paper on Defence will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13151/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 139, 828 and 839 together.
The development of a new White Paper on Defence is progressing well and I anticipate that a draft will be completed and submitted to Government for consideration in the latter half of 2014.
The publication of a Green Paper on Defence in July 2013 initiated a broad public consultation process, which was intended to inform the development of the new White Paper. This process generated 122 written submissions from members of the public and other interested parties.
As part of this consultative process, a number of people who made written submissions were invited to meet with civil and military staff of the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces. The purpose of these meetings was to provide an opportunity to certain individuals/organisations to elaborate further on their submission. It also allowed the representatives of the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces to explore aspects of these submissions. This part of the White Paper process has now been completed.
Discussions have also been held with other Government Departments on cross-cutting policy issues and likely future demands from Government bodies and State agencies. These discussions will continue, as required, throughout the White Paper process. The views of international organisations have also been sought with a particular focus on likely future trends in international peace support operations.
Working Groups comprising of civil and military representatives from the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces have been established. Having regard to the inputs received from a wide variety of stakeholders, they are considering future operational demands and the defence capabilities required to meet projected future operational requirements.
This ongoing work will underpin recommendations regarding defence provision for the next decade. It is necessary to ensure the development of an effective policy framework for defence and I am satisfied with the progress that has been made to date in this important work.
The new White Paper must have regard to potential challenges to our security as these may emerge into the future and it must ensure that Ireland has effective capabilities to deal with the range of defence roles required by Government.
