Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I just do not want to comment on something on which I do not have the facts. The question of misinformation was raised and it is a major issue. Cybersecurity is also a major concern. We are specifically asking the new commission on the future of the Defence Forces to look at cybersecurity from a defence perspective.

The 5G communications networks conversation is an example. The security and resilience of Ireland's 5G network are clearly essential for all the reasons outlined, including the amount of data that moves in and out of the island across the Atlantic and within the EU. The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and the National Cyber Security Centre engaged fully with the EU process on the security of 5G networks. The Department produced a national risk assessment of 5G and contributed to the EU-wide risk assessment that was published in October last year. Ireland also actively contributed to the development of the EU 5G security toolbox of mitigation measures published in January this year. The national cybersecurity strategy contains specific measures around the security of telecommunications systems, including 5G, and these measures build on a comprehensive EU process. The Department is working with industry on the development of a set of enhanced telecoms security requirements to secure all telecoms services. This will be published for public consultation in the first quarter of next year.

This is a space in which we are really active. It is interesting being the Minister responsible for defence and foreign affairs in this space as Ireland must be to the fore, internationally, in ensuring we are securing data and protecting it, both in law and in reality when it comes to protecting our networks, and we must also communicate that internationally. I am glad this important topic was raised.

Misinformation campaigns are a concern that has been raised time and again. Conflict and security are now shaped very differently in political debates. The damage is done or instability is created by state or non-state actors in a cynical or underhanded way, either during elections or in destabilising governments by influencing public discourse in multiple ways, particularly on social media. It is something the EU is very alive to and concerned about. There is much evidence to suggest this is a very active and moving space. We are alert to it and it is very much part of our broader cybersecurity strategy.

The issue of South Sudan was raised. As I mentioned, the number of refugees displaced across borders into neighbouring countries is significant. We provide significant humanitarian funding to South Sudan, mainly through the World Food Programme and other non-governmental organisations. Concern, GOAL and Trócaire are all active there. We will send a more detailed note to the committee if required. We also support the South Sudan peace process and the funding of a ceasefire monitoring mission there as well. We have a stake in that matter, and for good reason. It could not only contribute to destabilising South Sudan, which is a very new country struggling to find its feet. It could also have a regional destabilising effect on neighbouring states. It is something we are watching closely.