Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 15: To ask the Minister for Defence the work that has been carried out in regard to the preparation of a second White Paper on Defence for the period 2011 to 2020. [21979/07]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The current White Paper on Defence, which was published in February 2000, was the first-ever White Paper on Defence and set out the policy framework and development strategy for the period 2000-2010. The overall Government objective was to achieve affordable and sustainable Defence Forces capable of fulfilling the roles laid down by Government.

A detailed review of White Paper implementation has been conducted and a report was published in April 2007 outlining the findings. The report found that substantial progress has been made. The many detailed recommendations for change that were laid out in the White Paper have been implemented or are being implemented according to agreed timetables. The report also concludes that all the detailed targets should be met within the time-frame of the White Paper i.e up to 2010.

The Deputy will be aware of the requirement under the Public Service Management Act, 1997, that a revised Strategy Statement be prepared following the appointment of new Ministers. My Department is currently working on this and I expect to receive a draft Strategy Statement from the Secretary General very soon.

The preparation of a new White Paper on Defence for the period 2011 to 2020 is a long-term project. The Review of implementation of the existing White Paper and the work currently under way in preparing the revised Strategy Statement will contribute to its development.