David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)

Has virtually no work been done yet on the preparation of the White Paper? Is the Minister saying nothing has happened, no advertisements have been placed and no submissions have been invited or received? What will be his main goals for the Defence Forces as a result of the White Paper? It looks like we will not see it for at least another year. Can he assure the House it is his intention that the Defence Forces complement will remain at 10,000 and it will not fall below that? Will he publish guidelines regarding what he wants to see in the White Paper? Has he any work done on it to date?

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