Sir, - In an interesting European Diary (April 11th) Patrick Smyth writes that "Germany, for one - just like Ireland - is currently cutting its defence spending". This is not the case in so far as Ireland is concerned.
The White Paper on Defence sets out a 10-year strategy to improve and develop defence within the context of the existing broad level of resources. Key to this strategy is the reinvestment of 100 per cent of the savings obtained by a modest reduction in the overall strength of the Permanent Defence Force. In addition to existing equipment programmes, such as that for new armoured personnel carriers valued at £40 million, this will facilitate the White Paper investment programme announced by the Minister for Defence, Mr Michael Smith, of at least £250 million in new equipment and infrastructure.
This 10-year programme will ensure that the Defence Forces are geared to meet the evolving challenges and opportunities of the years ahead, including contributing to United Nations peace support operations. - Yours, etc.,
John Nolan, Press Officer, Department of Defence, Infirmary Road, Dublin 7.