Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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257. To ask the Minister for Defence the priorities in his Department for the remainder of the term of this Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49020/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Department is continuing to work closely with the Defence Forces to ensure that they retain the capabilities to fulfil all roles assigned by Government, both at home and overseas. In this context, and within the available resource envelope, decisions to replace equipment and ongoing recruitment to the Permanent Defence Force will prioritise the maintenance of required operational outputs. The preparation of a new White Paper on Defence is a key priority as it will provide the defence policy framework for the next decade and beyond. Defence policy is a critical aspect of Government policy and I am determined to ensure that the new White Paper fully addresses the Defence response to future security challenges and related resource requirements in a comprehensive way. I anticipate receipt of an initial draft outline of the White Paper by the end of this year. The final draft of the White Paper will be fully considered by Government in due course.

In line with the provisions of the Public Service Management Act, 1997, a new Strategy Statement is being prepared. The draft Strategy Statement will be submitted to me for my consideration in the near future.