Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I might have to pop out for a few minutes for EU statements in the Dáil. I thank the gentlemen for their presentation.

I have a couple of follow-on questions in respect of the report. One of the recommendations is that Ireland develops its intelligence capabilities to counter hybrid threats. The IIEA representatives stated that we are not in line with comparator countries. Could they expand on who they consider to be comparator countries and what it is precisely those countries have in terms of capacity that we do not? The report referenced Sweden’s total defence model, which was highly regarded. I think the witnesses are suggesting that could be a model for Ireland. Going back to the reference to comparator states, do they consider that Sweden is above all of those comparator states and we are all behind or is it a case that Ireland is below all other comparator states and Sweden simply has the best model?

The national energy security framework stated in April 2022 that the risk of cyberattacks on energy infrastructure was deemed unlikely. I take it that the witnesses consider that to be a misjudgment or an undervaluation of the actual threat.

It would be useful if the witnesses elaborated and explained where is the risk. In terms of the myriad of issues, I will leave my contribution at that and come back in later.