Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach and our witnesses. I apologise for having missed the opening statement as I was pulled away to another committee. I have read it. I do not have any operational questions other than to ask where does the organisation sit in the hierarchy of security within the State, if I can call it that, that is, within its security services. Am I right in suggesting the organisation is funded by the Department of communications? Dr. Browne might clarify that for me. He mentioned the staffing levels the organisation would like to attain by the summer. Has the organisation had any difficulty with the recruitment of the specialisations it requires? I was informed recently that this is an issue within the cybersecurity sphere. Does Dr. Browne expect that this will curtail any of the roles or responsibilities the organisation is taking on in relation to its appointment as a designated organisation? Finally, expectation and desire are two different things. Does Dr. Browne expect to be able to fulfil the role with the present level of funding, staffing and expertise within the organisation into 2025?