Micheál Martin
Ceist:11. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Defence his plans for a new White Paper on Defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48487/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 7 November 2012
Ceisteanna (11)
Freagraí scríofa
The White Paper on Defence has provided the policy framework and development strategy for Defence since 2000. The planning certainty arising from the policy provisions of the current White Paper underpinned the modernisation process within the Defence Organisation. It also afforded the requisite flexibility to develop appropriate capabilities in response to changes in the defence and security environment. Having considered the preliminary work undertaken on the preparation of a new White Paper on Defence, I decided to expand the planned consultative process by initiating the preparation of a Green Paper on Defence. In April 2012, a Memorandum for Government setting out the proposed approach and timeframe was approved by Government. The purpose of the Green Paper will be to elicit an informed debate regarding Ireland’s defence policy.
The process of preparing a Green Paper on Defence has commenced. Following Government approval for the process for the development of a new Green/White Paper on Defence, an interdepartmental group was convened to prepare a current assessment of the defence and security environment. The assessment will form the basis of the policy questions to be raised in the Green Paper.
The Green Paper is expected to be published at the end of 2012. When published, the Green Paper will initiate and inform a broad consultative process as part of the development of a new White Paper on Defence. The views of members of the public and other interested parties on Defence policy and Defence provision will be welcomed.
The new White Paper on Defence is scheduled for completion at the end of 2013 and will address Defence Policy and inform long term capability requirements.