Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

There is a certain amount I cannot say and a certain amount I can say. A national cyber security centre has been established. In the next few weeks, it is moving out to a purpose-built facility in UCD. It includes computer security emergency response functions and is also involved in implementing the EU directive on network and information security. That places a number of significant responsibilities on the State involving the establishment of binding security obligations on a wide range of critical infrastructure operators, including energy, health care, financial services, transport, water and digital service providers.

We are wrapping up staffing for that across the Department, mainly on a technical level. Sometimes we have had to second staff from other agencies to provide the necessary technical expertise, particularly for the national broadband plan. We have also seconded staff from An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces for the national cyber security centre. We bring in expertise as and when we need it, both on a contractual basis and as employed staff. There has been a significant increase in staffing in the Department. We would like to have more staff, of course. We could always do with more staffing but we have been wrapping it up and will continue to do so.