Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

We are discussing the designation of critical components within our national electronic communication network. The discussion we are having around this amendment relates to when we are selecting which are critical components, which are the most vulnerable parts of our communications network, which are the weakest parts and which would it be most devastating were they to be attacked. We are considering whether to list those administratively or by order, that is, via a statutory instrument or executive order that would publicly list what those components are. Do we want to publish a list of the most vulnerable, weakest and most attackable parts of our communications network in an open way or not? We have a balance to strike between national security and transparency.

There must be consultation on this point. We cannot have a situation whereby the Minister or civil servants write this list. The consultation on this issue is happening in great detail with the industry at the moment. It will continue and reach a rational conclusion. The critical components and most vulnerable parts of the network will be listed. That is why I am proposing that we use an administrative listing.

See this speech in context