Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 112: To ask the Minister for Defence if, in the context of the upcoming debate on the new European constitution, he will consider drawing up a White Paper on Ireland's defence commitments and growing European defence role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1496/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The Government's White Paper on Defence, published in February 2000, sets out a medium-term strategy for defence and covers the period up to 2010. A major objective of the strategy is to ensure that Ireland has a world-class military organisation capable of carrying out the roles assigned to them by the Government, both at home and abroad. This objective requires an ongoing modernisation process, including an investment programme to ensure that the Defence Forces are properly equipped for these roles.

Events at both a national and an international level are closely monitored by my Department on an ongoing basis. A high level civil-military planning and procurement group was established within my Department under the White Paper in order to ensure the continued efficiency, professionalism and safety of the Defence Forces.

I understand that the Department of Foreign Affairs is preparing a White Paper describing all aspects of the European Constitution, but it is not intended that this will address specific policy areas in detail.