Vol. 505 No. 2
27 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Defence if he will publish the submissions made on the White Paper on Defence; if the White Paper will be available on the worldwide web; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13166/99]
52 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Defence when the White Paper on Defence will be published; and the status of consultation in this regard. [9260/99]
60 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the White Paper on Defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13170/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 27, 52 and 60 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. I understand that these submissions contain a wide range of views. It is a matter in the first instance for the individual and organisations concerned as to whether these submissions are published. The submissions are being considered actively at present as part of the overall White Paper deliberative process, therefore it would be inappropriate for me to publish them at this time.
A series of informal consultation meetings are beginning today between the civil and military members of the Department's White Paper project management group and a number of individuals, groups and organisations. These will provide an opportunity for further elaboration and exploration of aspects of the written submissions. 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.
