2015 Defence White Paper

The new 10 year Defence white paper is to be published today – “Government plans to strengthen Defence Forces” (RTÉ):

The Government is to provide new and upgraded equipment for the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps, including new aircraft, naval ships and armoured personnel carriers.

The plan also commits to doubling the number of women in the Defence Forces, increasing the strength of the Army Rangers wing and establishing new units to travel to conflict zones where gender-based violence is part of warfare.

A new Institute for Peace and Support and Leadership Training is also to be set up at the Curragh and a new employment support scheme is to be established for young people from disadvantaged areas.

It includes a plan to develop specialist units in conjunction with gardaí to work in countries where gender based violence such as rape and physical and sexual intimidation are used as weapons of warfare.

Interesting, especially the focus on gender based violence.