Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Since my appointment as Minister of State at the Department of Defence, I have had the opportunity to see the work undertaken by the Defence Forces, the Department of Defence and Civil Defence throughout the country. I have also been fortunate to witness the work of the Defence Forces overseas and the invaluable work being done in the advancement of international peace and security. I also acknowledge the sacrifice made by those members of the Defence Forces who died in the service of the State both at home and overseas.

In 2004 the United Nations published a report entitled, A more secure world: Our shared responsibility. The report identified social and economic threats and transnational organised crime, as well as inter-state conflict, internal conflict, terrorism and weapons of mass destruction as global security threats. In 2005 the former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan's report, In Larger Freedom, added poverty, environmental degradation and deadly infectious diseases to that list. Globalisation has also brought increased interdependence and highlighted additional vulnerabilities, including our increased reliance on technology. Cyber attacks are a relatively recent addition to the range of security threats that can impact on a state's well being. Many countries also treat natural disasters, including pandemics, as security risks and the officer of emergency planning has produced a comprehensive risk assessment for Ireland of such risks.

This broader concept of security requires a whole-of-State response and, as many risks are transnational in nature, increased international collaboration. The forthcoming White Paper will form a key part of the State's response to emerging security threats. It will do so by identifying the likely threats and the required defence contribution.

As the House is aware, defence is a key element of the State's security and support framework. Defence of the State from armed aggression is a role that is vested exclusively in the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces. However, the Defence Forces also play a significant role in providing a broad range of security and other supports to other Departments and agencies. This ranges from supporting An Garda Síochána on request, known as aid to the civil power, to drugs interdiction, as part of the Joint Taskforce on Drugs Interdiction, to the provision of an air ambulance service, to fishery protection and other maritime supports, such as search and rescue.

It is very easy to forget the work that is done by the Defence Forces at home on a day-to day basis. The Defence Forces and Civil Defence are also an integral part of the State's response to many civil contingencies. As we look ahead to 2016 and the variety of events being held as part of the decade of centenaries, I am sure that Deputies on all sides will acknowledge the important ceremonial role of the Defence Forces in participating in many of these events. In addition, the State has a proud tradition of supporting the United Nations in the maintenance of international peace and security and we are all conscious of the work that the Defence Forces undertake on our behalf on overseas peace support operations. The recent migrant crisis in the Mediterranean and the deployment of the LE Eithneon search and rescue operations has also highlighted the value and versatility of Ireland's defence capabilities.

I am also very conscious of the fine contribution that is made by volunteer members of the Reserve Defence Forces who undertake training in their spare time and link the Defence Forces to communities throughout the country. The volunteer members of Civil Defence also deliver an excellent service to the State and their communities in difficult times. This includes during periods of severe weather and in searches for missing persons. The fact that these volunteers are willing to devote so much of their time in the service of others deserves special mention and acknowledgement.

The new White Paper will seek to ensure that, having regard to the future environment, the Department, the Defence Forces and Civil Defence are positioned to respond as required. This is a task that is not to be underestimated. I am confident that the new White Paper will chart a course that will ensure the necessary capabilities to meet future challenges. However, it must be acknowledged that the future is inherently uncertain and that the retention of flexible and adaptable capabilities is a pragmatic way to provide for a range of possibilities.

I would like to congratulate the Minister and his predecessor, Deputy Shatter, with whom I worked closely, on the open and transparent approach they have adopted to formulating this White Paper. The Green Paper initiated a broad consultative process, set out a security assessment and posed policy focused questions. A detailed process of consultation has culminated in the recent open policy debate on the White Paper, hosted by the Minister, and in tonight's proceedings, which were also initiated by the Minister. I am very pleased to have been associated with this work and I look forward to contributing to the implementation of the White Paper in due course.

I congratulate all of those who have worked very hard on this White Papter, from the Department, Civil Defence and volunteers.

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