Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2016
591. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence for an update on the implementation of the White Paper on Defence; the measures that have been implemented and the timeline for the implementation of all other measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17300/16]
View answerFollowing the publication of the White Paper on Defence a total of 88 projects were identified to be completed over a ten year period. Implementation of the White Paper projects is included in the Programme for a Partnership Government. The Implementation process is being led and overseen by the Minister, the Management Board and the General Staff assisted by a Joint Civil Military White Paper Implementation Facilitation Team (Joint Team).
As the White Paper sets the policy framework for the coming years implementation is of critical importance and is a significant undertaking for the Defence Organisation. In this context, implementation of projects is being phased with the immediate projects to be initiated in the period ending June 2017. Work has already commenced and in some cases is well advanced on a number of projects. These projects include, but are not limited to, the Employment Support Scheme, the Diversity and Inclusion strategy, the formation of the Civil Defence Inter-agency Guidance Team and various equipment procurement projects.
The approach to implementation takes account of the significance of the White Paper, harnesses the civil and military effort on implementation while also recognising the finite resource envelope available and the operational imperative in Defence.
