Brian O'Shea
Ceist:115 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Defence when the White Paper on Defence will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5002/99]
Written Answers. - White Paper on Defence.
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:123 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Defence his views on the submission made by the Department of Finance in connection with the promised White Paper on Defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5005/99]
Pádraic McCormack
Ceist:129 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Defence when he first learned of the contents of the recent Department of Finance submission on the White Paper on Defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4902/99]
Frances Fitzgerald
Ceist:199 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence when he first learned of the contents of the recent Department of Finance submission on the White Paper on Defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4939/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 115, 123, 129 and 199 together.
The Department of Finance's submission on the White Paper on Defence was received in my Department on 18 January 1999. The submission is one of 41 submissions received to date as part of the White Paper consultative process.
As is to be expected, I understand that there is a considerable variety of views contained in these submissions. I have made it clear that it would not be appropriate for me to comment on any one individual submission received by my Department as part of the consultative process. It is important to respect the right of all individuals and organisations to submit their views in this way.
The White Paper, which will be the first ever White Paper on Defence, will provide a framework for the evolution of policy and for the on-going reorganisation process in the Defence Forces and set out a strategy for the next ten years. The White Paper presents a positive opportunity to develop the Defence Forces. It involves a range of foundation work which will form the basis of the future planning elements of the White Paper. These foundation elements relate to an assessment of the defence and security environment, an examination of the progress already made in the reorganisation of the Defence Forces under the Defence Forces Review Implementation Plan and, of course, the consultative process. This process will of course include the Defence Forces representative associations. Based on these planning elements, the detailed White Paper preparation will proceed. I would expect to be able to bring my proposals to the Government around summer of this year.