Many years ago during a defence debate in another jurisdiction, an opposition member with a military background was trying to make a point. He argued there were valid military issues that did not have political implications, and which therefore could be considered by parliament on their own merit. However, the brave suggestion provoked a salutary put-down which should be remembered whenever the military mindset sticks its noble head above the parapet. “Everything is political,” thundered the government member, and, holding up a glass of water, he added “Even a glass of water is political.”
The newly-published White Paper on Defence 2015 is, first and foremost, a political document. It is a consensus between two parties in power known to have differing views on aspects of defence policy. That the consensus reflects the status quo on some controversial issues is no surprise. There is no change on neutrality or the triple lock which requires prior UN approval for Defence Forces participation in peacekeeping operations.
Those advocates of greater defence co-operation with our European partners, including possible membership of Nato, may be disappointed, as will those on the other side of the defence debate who want the policy of military neutrality enshrined in the straitjacket of the Constitution. This White Paper makes it less likely either issue will arise again in the foreseeable future, unless external factors require them to be addressed.
Threats
Defence White Paper 2015 is a serious piece of work. It is a vast improvement on the unlamented White Paper 2000 and presents a wide range of new and interesting ideas. It correctly identifies increased threats to the State from cyberattacks and terrorism, and indicates the way forward in countering these. It acknowledges the steady decline of the Defence Forces over recent decades and outlines a 10-year framework to enhance Defence Forces’ capabilities. Crucially, it recognises that increased defence spending is necessary.
Among these capabilities the most significant may be the proposed new ships for the Naval Service. The paper signals a new appreciation of Ireland's strategic position as a maritime nation. However, the Naval Service still needs at least one vessel capable of a combat function, to allow it to participate in maritime peacekeeping missions such as anti-piracy operations. Perhaps the multipurpose role for the replacement of the LÉ Eithne could take this into consideration.
The proposals for the Air Corps are less ambitious, and the Government is clearly not yet ready to equip the Air Corps with fighter jets to defend our airspace. The costs are considered prohibitive but other neutrals, such as Austria, Finland and Sweden, seem to manage it. Should unannounced Russian Air Force flights continue in Irish airspace, the Air Corps inventory should be looked at again. As the economy recovers, leasing options could be one solution, perhaps similar to the Czech-Swedish contract for Gripen fighters. To put it bluntly, it is not the UK government's responsibility to defend our skies. As a sovereign state with a policy of military neutrality it is our responsibility.
Long-range equipment
The White Paper proposal for long-range equipment programmes for the Army is welcome. While the White Paper marks a welcome end to the spiral of depleting reorganisations and barracks closures, the Army still remains weakened, until the number of supporting specialists lost in the 2012 cutbacks is at least partially restored. In particular the decimation of the Military Police Corps should be re-examined. Nevertheless, the proposed three-yearly reviews of the White Paper present a framework to address these gaps. Modest increases in the number of personnel in all three components may be necessary over the coming years to address the proposals outlined in the White Paper. The Air Corps and Naval Service need to be enhanced, but not at the expense of the Army. Robbing Peter to pay Paul is no solution.
I welcome the White Paper as a good basis for addressing the Defence Forces capabilities gaps. It should go a long way towards restoring confidence among all concerned with our national defence.
Col Dorcha Lee (retd) is a former Defence Forces provost marshal and director of military police