Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The first responsibility there is on the network providers. I have seen in the past how they work on a collective basis, including with the NCSC and other agencies, to make sure their networks are as secure as possible. They have the primary responsibility for the networks. However, the NCSC has overall responsibility. It is the centre of excellence and expertise in the State, to which the Garda, the Defence Forces, other corporations and, in particular, Departments and public agencies can have recourse to seek best advice. Its job is not to manage and monitor each and every network.

It is to oversee and make sure that the best information is shared and the best practices put in place. As I said, the team is expanding. I said in response to an earlier question that we had a further round this week. It is a difficult environment because it is a very well-paid area. Cybersecurity is a very large industry in this country. My experience is that we were able to get very capable people who were inspired by national interest in their work.

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