Gerry Horkan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I concur with Senator Conway. While I am not the Fianna Fáil Party spokesperson on this matter, I spoke on the Bill on Second Stage and listened to the Minister of State's contributions on it. This is timely and welcome legislation. If anything, the events at the weekend have shown how vulnerable our information systems are to attack. Attacking these systems is a lucrative area. We rely on information technology for virtually everything we do, from using our iPads to checking emails, banking online and booking and checking in for flights. The vulnerability of the National Health Service in the United Kingdom was highlighted by the hacking attacks at the weekend. Thankfully - touch wood - our systems have not been as affected as systems in the UK, although we never know when an attack will occur. It is appropriate, therefore, that the House pass this Bill in a timely and speedy fashion. I congratulate the Minister of State and his officials on the work they have done.

It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge my grandmother on one side and grandfather on the other, both of whom were from County Mayo. I also welcome Councillor O'Brien from County Mayo who, while not a member of the Fianna Fáil Party, is more than welcome to the House. I also acknowledge the work he does.