Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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18. To ask the Minister for Defence in the context of the establishment of an external advisory group to support the production of a White paper on Defence, if he will confirm membership of this group; when it is hoped that the White Paper will be finalised and brought to Government in order to guide defence policy, including the role to be played by the Defence Forces overseas, in view of the increasing volatility of international relations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6895/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Work is continuing on the development of a new White Paper on Defence. Working groups comprising civil and military representatives from the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces are considering likely future operational demands and the defence capabilities required to meet these demands. This work will inform recommendations regarding defence provision.

A key part of the development of the White Paper is the consideration of the security environment and challenges that may emerge into the future. As recent events have highlighted, the security environment can be volatile and unpredictable.

In the course of their deliberations, the Working Groups are taking into consideration the inputs received from a wide variety of stakeholders. Discussions have also been held with a range of other Government Departments on cross-cutting policy issues and likely future demands from Government bodies and State agencies. This includes the views of international organisations which have been sought, with a particular focus on likely future trends in international peace support operations.

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 associated resource requirements in a comprehensive way.

I have decided to establish an external Advisory Group to further support me in the production of the White Paper. I have appointed Mr. John Minihan to act as chairman to the Group. I have been in contact with a number of people, who have experience and expertise in the area of defence and defence policy and I can confirm that Ms. Marie Cross, Mr. Frank Lynch and Mr. Karl Croke have agreed to join the Group.

I anticipate that the final draft of the White Paper will be submitted to Government for approval by the end of July. Subject to Government approval, the White Paper on Defence will then be published.