Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will not use my full slot because I must speak in the Seanad. I thank all guests for their presentations, particularly our guest from the US. I was trying to work out which part of the US he is in and I recognise it is probably well past his bedtime. This is really helpful as the witnesses have identified that our IT infrastructure, particularly in the health service, is under attack. To some extent we seem to know where we are going with but the concern we have as a committee is to understand how vulnerable we are in other institutions of the State and fundamental service providers, or even the wider public sector. If my comments are incorrect, the witnesses might correct me but it seems larger private companies have taken this more seriously, perhaps investing more money than State institutions or semi-State organisations. It is something we must look at.

Mr. Larkin is a contractor in the State. Does he have any views on the state of readiness or protection that exists? He has indicated he does some State work. What is the level of protection of State institutions and Departments, where key data are stored? How does it compare with the experience in the private sector? This is not about being critical but rather to give us some understanding of the challenge we face.

Ms Carolan addressed a point that I raised with the committee previously relating to the concerns about the position of director of the NCSC. It seems the proposed payment was far too low. She has clarified that matter for us so will Mr. Larkin respond to my question?