Jack Wall
Ceist:44 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence when the White Paper on Defence will be published. [9420/99]
Written Answers. - White Paper on Defence.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:54 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence the reason the representative associations are not members of the consultation group he has appointed in relation to the White Paper on Defence; and if he will consider the representative associations being part of the Group. [9252/99]
Pádraic McCormack
Ceist:61 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Defence when he first learned of the contents of the recent Department of Finance submission to the White Paper on Defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9279/99]
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:71 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Defence when the White Paper on Defence will be published; and the status of consultation in this regard. [9260/99]
Frances Fitzgerald
Ceist:120 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence the reason the representative associations are not members of the consultation group he has appointed in relation to the White Paper on Defence; if he will consider the representative associations being part of the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9312/99]
Frances Fitzgerald
Ceist:128 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence when the White Paper on Defence will be published; and the status of consultation in this regard. [9320/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 44, 54, 61, 71, 120 and 128 together.
This will be the first ever White Paper on Defence. It will provide a framework for the evolution of national defence policy and the continuing reorganisation process in the Defence Forces. Overall, the White Paper presents a positive opportunity to map out a strategy for the development of the Defence Forces and Civil Defence over the next ten years.
A range of foundation work is now under way 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.
To date, this consultative process has involved the receipt of 45 written submissions from a wide range of individuals, groups and organisations. Submissions from PDFORRA and the Department of Finance were received in January. Last week I received RACO's submission and a small number of others are expected in the near future.
I understand that these submissions contain a wide range of views. 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 have their submissions fairly treated.
Meetings may be arranged with some of the authors of other submissions where this might be useful. In addition, full consultations will take place with the Defence Force Representative Associations in accordance with the normal system of representation.
I would like to emphasise at this point the importance that I am placing on having a real and meaningful consultation process. It would be remiss of me not to ensure that a topic of fundamental importance is properly addressed. However, I must add that I am conscious of the need for balance to be maintained between consultation, on the one hand, and my duty as Minister in relation to the formation of defence policy, on the other.
The timetable for the White Paper will depend on the completion of the consultative and planning elements and the subsequent work. The defence and security environment is itself in a state of evolution both in the European and national contexts. Subject to the satisfactory completion of this work, I would plan to bring my proposals to the Government around summer of this year.