Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is located within my Department, and serves to provide a range of cyber security services to owners of Government IT infrastructure and Critical National Infrastructure (CNI). While my Department does not release specific details in relation to the staff or precise funding allocated to the NCSC for operational security reasons, I can confirm that in Budget 2018 additional funding was secured for additional capacity in the NCSC, both in terms of personnel and additional technology, and a significant programme of further recruitment will commence shortly.

The expertise contained within the NCSC covers a broad range of capabilities including computer science, software engineering, malware analysis and information technology forensics. The NCSC is also home to the national Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT-IE) and is responsible for acting as a conduit for information to constituents (including operators of Critical National Infrastructure, Government Departments and Agencies), providing expert advice and analysis on cyber security issues and for coordinating significant incidents. Like similar bodies in other jurisdictions, the NCSC acts as a central contact point in the event of a government or nation-wide cyber security incident affecting the State. The NCSC received International Accreditation in 2017.