Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

42. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the position regarding plans for a peace and leadership institute on the Curragh; the next steps in the plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23328/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The White Paper on Defence included a commitment to evaluating the potential development of a new Institute for Peace Support and Leadership Training at the Defence Forces Training Centre in The Curragh. Also, the Programme for a Partnership Government included a commitment to developing this Institute. It is foreseen that the new Institute will have international standing and contribute to the overall development of knowledge and experience in the areas of peace support, leadership and conflict resolution.

Scoping work was carried out on the proposal throughout 2016. A concept paper has been developed and some initial consultation with national and international third level and research institutes and potential philanthropic contributors has also taken place.

Arising from the initial scoping work and consultations, it has been decided to progress to conduct a feasibility study. Terms of reference for this feasibility study are being finalised and I expect that the study will commence as soon as possible thereafter.