Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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117. To ask the Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the White Paper on Defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21285/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The preparation of a new White Paper on Defence is a key priority and drafting of the document is well underway.

Working groups comprising civil and military representatives from the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces have identified likely future operational demands and the defence capabilities required to meet these demands. This work will inform recommendations regarding future defence provision. In the course of their deliberations, the Working Groups have taken 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.

I hosted a symposium on the White Paper at Farmleigh House on 15 May. The Symposium provided a wide stakeholder group with an opportunity to discuss differing policy emphases as part of the concluding phase of the preparation of a new White Paper on Defence.

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.