Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Can the Taoiseach tell us what interaction the National Cyber Security Centre has with the work of the National Security Committee? Is the centre represented on the committee and did either advise the Taoiseach of high-level cybersecurity threats following Government formation last year? As the Taoiseach is aware, the budget and staffing of the National Cyber Security Centre came under significant scrutiny last month. Having failed to secure a preferred candidate for the role of director, this position is to be readvertised and the Minister awaits the outcome of a capacity review, although we know the centre employs just 29 people, despite its responsibilities.

The main role of the centre is to lead in the management of major cybersecurity incidences across Government, provide guidance and advice to citizens and business on major cybersecurity incidents and to develop strong international relationships in the global cybersecurity communities. Despite these significant responsibilities, the salary offered to the director is just half of what is paid to each of the Taoiseach's special advisers.

In fact, the Government's overall annual spend on special advisors matches the centre's annual operating budget. That is astonishing. I would like the Taoiseach to explain how that makes any sense. Evidence given last month at committee advised the centre's budget needs to be significantly increased. On that basis, can the Taoiseach advise us when the capacity review of the National Cyber Security Centre will be completed? Will the Government act quickly to provide for the additional resources we expect to be identified in that review?

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