Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy misquoted me. I spoke in respect of the statutory instrument following the consultation. The Dáil has passed a statutory instrument. Consultation is required within it. The feedback from those who will be regulated does not require substantial change in what is proposed. That is the only aspect where I said change would be minimal. In terms of the development of a broad-based cybersecurity policy, I recognise that this is a very fast-changing area and that is why consultation is underway to look at whether our structures and systems are adequate and to anticipate the sort of changes that will be needed. Significant progress has been made within my Department in setting up a system for identifying weaknesses, reporting incidences and strengthening cybersecurity that is very well-connected internationally and well-regarded. This is not an area where we can ever be complacent, as the Deputy noted. We spoke earlier about the need for an online safety commissioner, which I hope to legislate for before the end of this year.

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