Vol. 446 No. 6
139 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for the Defence his views on whether the contents of the Gleeson Commission report and the contents of the leaked consultants report have exposed a policy vaccum in the area of Defence; and his further views on whether the publication of a white paper on Defence is an appropriate course of action. [2780/94]
140 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for the Defence, in view of the changing security situation in Northern Ireland and developments on the mainland of Europe, his views on whether it is appropriate to publish a White Paper on Defence to stimulate and guide the debate in this country. [2781/94]
The Government's policy objectives for the Defence Forces are quite clear. The revised statement of roles for the Defence Forces which were published last year take full account of the changes which have occurred in the international environment. A major review of the structure and organisation of the Defence Forces is at present being conducted under the auspices of the Efficiency Audit Group. The objective of the review is to ensure that the Defence Forces are staffed, trained, accommodated and equipped to meet their assigned roles as effectively as possible. There are no plans at present to publish a White Paper on Defence.
