Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1324. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to address the increased threats to the State from cyberattacks and terrorism as identified in the Government’s White Paper on Defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12820/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As outlined in the Governments White Paper on Defence 2015, Cyber attacks have very significant implications for governmental administration, for industry, for economic well-being and for the security and safety of citizens. The response to cyber threats remains a whole-of-Government challenge, with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment having the lead role. The primary focus of the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces will remain the protection of Defence networks. The Defence Forces have two personnel seconded to the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment’s Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT-IE) on an ongoing basis. In addition, as in any emergency situation, once Defence systems are supported, the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces will provide support to CSIRT-IE, in so far as resources allow. A Service Level Agreement is currently being developed in relation to such supports to CSIRT.

In relation to terrorism, primary responsibility for the internal security of the State rests with the Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána. In that regard, among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence 2015 is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power which, in practice, means to provide assistance and support to An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. The Department of Defence and the Defence Forces cooperate fully with the Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána in this context.