Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 157 and 165 together.

I can advise the Deputies that the Defence Forces have established a new joint cyberdefence command. This new command will be able to conduct full spectrum operations to robustly defend against cyberthreats and support Defence Forces operations at home and overseas, and enhance national cyberdefence resilience and contingent capabilities. Deputy Heneghan is right that this is a real and growing issue. Following the establishment of this unit, the Defence Forces cyberdefence strategy for 2024 to 2027 was published last year. This strategy sets out a road map to ensure our Defence Forces achieve operational capability in this new domain.

I am pleased to say the assignment of 19 specialist posts in the Defence Forces has been approved to kick-start the operation of this unit, which is headed up by an officer of general rank. In addition to this, the Department is engaging with the Public Appointments Service to recruit ten civilian cyber specialists who will be embedded in this new cyber unit, and we want to see these posts filled as soon as possible. They have been sanctioned and we want to get them started. To this end, the Public Appointment Service has launched a campaign to recruit for the role of principal officer, cyber lead. The closing date for applications for this post was 10 April. Additionally, competitions will be launched imminently to fill two additional roles at the level of engineer grade 1. These roles will be focused on cyberthreat intelligence and cyber resilience. I am pleased to say we are significantly expanding the number of people working in this area.

I should also mention that officials from my Department and the Defence Forces work closely with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and the National Cyber Security Centre. That Department is the Department with lead Government responsibility for cybersecurity in Ireland. We work collaboratively to support measures to address cyber challenges. I am satisfied that from a defence perspective we are on a much-needed positive trajectory to ensure the new cyber command unit is well positioned to meet the ambitions we have set out in the cyber strategy.

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