Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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417. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on whether it is compatible for Ireland as a neutral state to be involved with an organisation (details supplied) given that this organisation openly admits to having a duel use as an offensive capability and carries out training and exercise at the request of member states or the NATO command. [52205/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Malicious cyber activities are increasing exponentially with attacks on critical infrastructure, such as the HSE ransomware attack, causing widespread disruption and endangering the lives of our citizens. We must anticipate and prepare effectively for future cybersecurity incidents.

This is best achieved through a strengthening of ICT systems, deterring threats and working with other states and stakeholders to improve our cyber resilience to protect our economy, democracy and people. It is appropriate and necessary to work with relevant international organisations to help us prepare for and respond to cyber incidents.

The Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCoE) was established in May 2008 with a particular focus on the training of civilian and military IT personnel to deal with large scale cyber incidents and the aim of increasing cyber defence interoperability between its members. As a result of our engagement with the Centre, Ireland benefits directly from enhanced information security and cyber defence education, with the Centre providing members, including Ireland, with interdisciplinary expertise in the field of cyber defence research and training.

Ireland’s traditional policy of military neutrality is characterised by non-membership of military alliances. Participation in the Centre has no implications for this policy. The Centre itself is primarily a research and training institute; it is not integrated into the NATO command or force structure and it has no operational mandate. It is also staffed and financed by member nations which include both NATO and non-NATO members, including Austria, Finland and Sweden as well as Ireland. It is not incompatible with our neutrality to participate in cyber defence training and the sharing of information and best practices in this manner.