Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his frank and clear outline of where we are and, more important, where we need to go.

We have discussed the leadership role within the cybersecurity centre. Obviously, there is a need for that to be dealt with. However, there is also a need for backup support and new architecture to be put in place. In relation to technicians and recruitment, do we have sufficient numbers of people with the necessary skills, qualifications and expertise? At the moment, everyone is on alert. The private sector will also be seeking to recruit these people. Is the Minister of State satisfied that the State can recruit and that the terms and conditions of the offers that we are making will be sufficient to attract people into our cybersecurity centre?

Second, I wish to ask the Minister of State about indications from the private sector on the payment of ransoms. The State, the Minister of State and Government have taken the correct decision to refuse to pay a ransom. If we pay it once, we will be paying it forever. I am getting a fair indication from the private sector that many companies have already succumbed to the pressure and have paid ransoms. What indications are the Minister of State and his Department receiving to that effect? In respect of the HSE and the other State agencies that have a duty of care to protect information, where does the Data Protection Commissioner sit in this? Is there an open line of discussion between the Government and the Data Protection Commissioner?