Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response. He mentioned the White Paper, which is of vital importance. When does the Minister expect to publish it? Many of us have made submissions. The Minister talked about recruitment and equipment, and this gives rise to financing. When the Minister received his briefing documents in July, they indicated that in terms of GDP, Ireland provides to its Defence Forces about half the level of funding provided by other neutral countries such as Sweden and Finland. Is that something the Minister will address?

We speak frequently about the Irish public's awareness of the value of the overseas service of our Defence Forces and how proud we are of everything they do abroad. Does the Minister see himself highlighting the valuable contribution of the Defence Forces at home?

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