Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I must admit I have not seen the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General so I cannot comment on its contents. In budget 2018 additional funding was secured for additional personnel and technology in the national cybersecurity centre. A significant programme of recruitment will commence shortly.

I take on board the Deputy's points but this is a whole-of-Government approach led by my colleague, the Minister, Deputy Naughten. He retains overall responsibility for cybersecurity at national level. The Government task force on emergency planning, which I chair, maintains cybersecurity as a standing agenda item whereby regular updates are provided and issues of common interest may be raised and addressed. It also serves to reiterate the necessity for all Departments and agencies to address these risks when conducting risk assessments and assessing their risk management capabilities. I agree this is a huge issue but we have a whole-of-Government approach led by my colleague, the Minister, Deputy Naughten. He has a dedicated team working on this specific issue.

See this speech in context