The Government has today published new proposals that set out Ireland's policy framework for the Defence Forces for the next ten years.
The White Paper on Defence proposes a number of significant changes and investments. They include a pledge to develop initiatives to encourage more women to apply for the Defence Forces, and to increase female participation at all ranks.
A Diversity and Inclusion Strategy will also be developed to build on existing policies related to ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and equality.
Other proposals include the replacement and upgrade of equipment, and the establishment of an Institute for Peace Support and Leadership training "with a focus on international education in the field of peacekeeping and conflict resolution".
A pilot scheme for a new employment support scheme - aimed at people between 18 and 24 who might 'otherwise struggle to break out of cycles of disadvantage' - is also planned for next year.
Simon Coveney at the the launch of the Government's White Paper on Defence, which took place in Dublin Castle. Image: RollingNews.ie
Defence Minister Simon Coveney 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".
He added that the proposals "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".
Fine Gael TD for Kildare North, Bernard Durkan, pledged his 'strong support' for the proposals, saying he particularly welcomes "the commitment to double the number of women in our defence forces.
"Minister Coveney has mentioned the potential for Ireland to become more involved in dealing with gender based violence which, unfortunately, is a more prevalent issue in some of the places where are peacekeeping forces are at work. In this sensitive area, the importance of having female defence force members cannot be understated,” he added.
You can find the full White Paper on the Defence Department's website.
