Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Since 2019, the Government has been preparing a national security strategy which is supposed to shape our approach to cybersecurity. A lack of urgency and priority from the Government is increasing our vulnerability as global volatility increases. The HSE attack, which was hugely disruptive for patients and staff, is estimated to have cost €144 million. Many smaller but harmful attacks happen regularly as well. In my own group water scheme in County Mayo, the digital board was hacked, disrupting the water supplies. Who would imagine that it happened from the Middle East, right into Belmullet? People were left for days without water.

We need to be sure our public services are protected. The State needs to be capable of preventing and responding effectively when attacks happen. We have to take a broad but comprehensive approach. The public sector is often vulnerable when it interacts with the private sector. Will the Taoiseach ensure that the national security strategy is finally published, and that we have a step-change in how we prepare for cyberattacks? Will he assure people that it will not take another HSE attack for this Government to act?

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