Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

When does the Minister of State expect a decision to be made? When will the feasibility study be completed? When will the Minister of State make a decision on it? It is mentioned in the White Paper that work on the concept will be developed over the following 12 months with a view to its initial shape being showcased in 2016. We are now in 2018. The Minister of State has given the reasons for the evaluation, scoping study and feasibility analysis. When will he make a decision on this? It is underpinned by the White Paper. The Minister of State should give a timeline to the House on when he will be in a position to formalise this. It is important in a future defence context for Ireland to develop the expertise. I gave the example of cyber intelligence. The Minister of State mentioned our historic strides in peacekeeping. He needs to make a decision on it and give a timeline for when he will do it instead of having another feasibility study of the evaluations. There will be a cycle of repetition. We need a formal decision.

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