Govt White Paper on Defence Published

Minister for Defence Simon Coveney has published a new White Paper on Defence, setting out the government's defence policy framework for the next decade.

Launching the Paper at an event in Dublin Castle, Minister Coveney said that the White Paper was informed by "a wide-ranging consultation process".

"The Government sought the views of a wide range of stakeholders and there has been an extensive consultative process which has shaped the policy decisions contained in this White Paper. I would like to thank all of those that contributed their views," the Minister said.

The Minister added: "The White Paper on Defence reflects the important role of defence as part of the State's security framework and whole of Government response. It provides clear direction and a pragmatic approach to defence and to ensuring that we can continue to reflect with pride on the service provided by the Defence Forces to the security of the State. The Defence Forces and Civil Defence are also an integral part of the State's response to major emergencies and natural disasters.

"The approaches in the White Paper reflect the wider Defence and Security Policy framework and the increasingly complex nature of security threats in the world today and the need for a full spectrum comprehensive response. The White Paper looks not alone to promoting Ireland's values in the world but also protecting our interests based on a rules based world order and the importance of global stability and security to our continued social and economic wellbeing." 

(MH)