Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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39. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his Department carried out investigations into the HSE cyber-attack in May 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23495/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My colleague Minister Ryan, as Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, retains overall responsibility for cyber security at a national level but, of course, the response to cyber threats is a whole-of-Government challenge with inputs in the security domain from An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces. I would also note that An Garda Síochána has the role of investigating and prosecuting cybercrime.

The primary role of the Defence Forces with regard to cyber security relates to the defence and security of its own networks and systems. The Defence Forces and the Department of Defence work with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications on an on-going basis in the delivery of measures to improve the cyber security of the State. This is being done in line with the Programme for Government commitment to implement the National Cyber Security Strategy, recognizing the potential and important role of the Defence Forces.