The Government is to publish a discussion paper early next year about the future role and organisation of the Defence Forces.
After the green discussion paper is launched, the Government hopes there will be a full debate about defence issues leading to a new policy for the Defence Forces.
This discussion will involve a reassessment of the personnel, equipment and facilities required for the next decade.
Minister for Defence Alan Shatter said the discussion paper will act as a catalyst to ensure an appropriate level of debate on defence and help the development of a new white policy paper.
Among the issues being examined is the current brigade structure of the army, as well as the numbers and ranks required.
Yesterday, the closure of four more army posts was announced, bringing to 14 the number of barrack closures since 1998.
Only 14 permanently occupied posts will now remain open.
Membership of the Defence Forces now stands at about 9,500, the lowest since 1972 and down 1,000 in the past decade.
Mr Shatter recently told the Dáil he believes that the current strength should be maintained.
The first white policy paper on defence issued in 2000 set out a strategy for a decade based on "the evolving national and international security environment".
It provided a framework for the ongoing management and reorganisation of the Defence Forces to ensure its continued participation in peacekeeping abroad and meeting the needs of on-island security.
The Department of Defence said this evening that outcome of the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure tomorrow will determine the future resource envelope available for Defence. This will further inform the development of future defence policy.
Members of the public and other interested parties will be given the opportunity to submit their views on Defence policy and provision.
Labour councillor resigns from party
A member of Clonmel Borough Council in Co Tipperary has resigned from the Labour Party.
Councillor Gabrielle Egan said she does not feel comfortable with the decisions the party is making in Government.
She lists the closure of St Michael's Unit in Clonmel and the Kickham Army Barracks, together with the possible reintroduction of third level fees, as among the reasons for her decision to leave the party.
Cllr Egan has been a member of the Labour Party since 2006.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte has said conclusions cannot be drawn from the resignation of Willie Penrose over the closure of Columb Barracks in Mullingar.
Mr Penrose, the Labour TD for Longford/Westmeath, resigned yesterday as Minister of State for Housing and relinquished the party whip in opposition to the Government's decision to close the facility.
Three other barracks in Cavan, Clonmel, and Castlebar are also to close, which the Government says would save up to €5m.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Minister Rabbitte said he hoped to see Mr Penrose back in the Labour Party.
