Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

My colleague, the Minister, Deputy Bruton, retains overall responsibility for cybersecurity at national level. The Government task force on emergency planning also maintains cybersecurity as a standing item on the agenda where regular updates are provided and where issues of common interest may be raised and addressed. The Deputy is correct that cyber attacks present a new threat and it has to be taken seriously by Government. This is why we have a dedicated team in the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment. As I said, my colleague, the Minister, Deputy Bruton, retains overall responsibility for this area. The Defence Forces have their own cybersecurity team to look after their own networks. It is important that we are able to maintain security on our own networks, that we do not depend on any outsourcing of any capabilities to come in to assist in that, and that we can handle our own cybersecurity. This is a matter of concern. Given the number of multinational companies operating in Ireland, we have to be prepared for any cyberattack. As chairman of the Government task force on emergency planning, I assure the Deputy that we get regular updates. I have met people who work in the cybersecurity centre and they are top class. We would want to be very careful not to rubbish their capability and what they are able to do.

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