Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

The Deputy is absolutely correct. One of the issues the Government is giving consider to is that ecosystem. The Deputy will be aware that we have established for the first time a Cabinet committee on national security, chaired by the Taoiseach, in which I and the Minister for Justice participate. We are developing a national security strategy.

I agree cyber affects us. Deputy Heneghan asked me to look into all Departments and every agency, but where the buck stops and where there are clear lines of responsibility is important. We are clear in terms of the lead function being the National Cyber Security Centre but Government will give consideration to that overall national security architecture.

Coming back to the Deputy's point about the new Oireachtas Committee on Defence and National Security, which the Deputy's party colleague will chair, it will provide an important opportunity to try to make sure we can have, within the respective parameters of the importance of sensitive information, a good flow of information and briefings. I am willing and eager to co-operate with that new committee. We do not discuss national security issues and threats and cybersecurity nearly enough in the Oireachtas and I welcome the creation of the new committee.

The Deputy's numbers are correct. So far, we have 19 from the Defence Forces plus ten civilians. That brings us to 29 when fully populated, which is not yet. Obviously, that is to start the unit. We will obviously be seeking to grow that in the time ahead.

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