Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Jack Chambers always shifts the discussion. Different Departments have different responsibilities. The Deputy should be able to understand that. The security of the State is the responsibility of An Garda Síochána. Cyber risks are the remit of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment. These cables are a major concern. This document in question was published recently . I will be asking my officials to look at it in depth and consider the challenges we will face in the future and the capabilities we will require. This comes down to budget considerations. It is one thing to shout from the Opposition benches that we should spend more money. However, there are other areas in respect of which we have responsibility. That is one of the reasons we have considered a multi-role vessel which will have the capability to do much more than some of our current vessels.

Deputy Durkan asked if we would seek assistance. There are several service level agreements under which Departments work with each other and we seek assistance from other bodies. For us to seek assistance from overseas would be a Government decision. The Government will not be found wanting. We have to consider our key challenges when considering assistance. We have to consider what our capabilities are and what capabilities we will need in the future.

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