Defence Minister Simon Coveney today [26th August] launched the Government’s new White Paper on Defence at an event in Dublin Castle.

The White Paper sets out Ireland’s defence policy framework for the next decade. Based on a forward looking assessment of the security environment, the Government has set out the defence policy response to security challenges, including the defence contribution to international peace and security. 

The Minister said, “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 well-being.”

In commenting on future capability requirements the Minister said “The White Paper sets out the roles that Government have assigned to the Defence Forces and considers associated capability requirements. It sets out decisions on the replacement of major equipment platforms for the next decade and other priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service. This will guide long term defence planning.” 

The White Paper includes Protection of Marine Resources, Maritime Co-operation and Co-ordination, and Irish Maritime and Energy Resource Cluster (IMERC).

Download the White Paper here.

Ends.

Source:  http://www.merrionstreet.ie//en/News-Room/News/Coveney_launches_White_Paper_on_Defence.html