Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 40: To ask the Minister for Defence when he intends to publish a new White Paper on the Defence Forces, in view of the fact that the previous White Paper ran from 2000 to 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30165/10]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The Renewed Programme for Government sets out the commitment for the preparation of a new White Paper on Defence, for the period 2011 to 2020. Preliminary work has commenced and I intend bringing a memorandum to Government in the near future. This will outline the proposed approach in advance of formally launching the process.

The new White Paper will build upon the first white paper on Defence, published in 2000, which provided the policy framework for the modernisation, reform and transformation of the Defence Organisation, during the past decade.

The new White Paper will set out Defence policy for the period to 2020 having regard to the Defence and Security environment and the roles assigned to the Defence Forces. It will chart a course for the continued development of the Defence Organisation and will be instrumental in guiding successive strategy statements.

The preparation of the new White Paper will include broad consultation with relevant stakeholders, including other Government Departments and Offices and a public consultative process.

The current White Paper on Defence will continue to provide the policy framework pending the adoption of the new White Paper.