Written answers

Thursday, 15 December 2022

Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Cybersecurity Policy

Photo of Emer HigginsEmer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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87. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the way he expects Ireland’s cybersecurity infrastructure to change in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57487/22]

Photo of Ossian SmythOssian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
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Recognising the strategic importance of cyber security for Ireland's peace, security, resilience and prosperity, the Government has prioritised investment in Ireland’s cybersecurity most notably in its investment in the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). The NCSC plays an important role in providing advice and guidance to public bodies and critical infrastructure, monitoring and analysing cyber security threats and coordinating the response to major cyber security incidents. The NCSC works closely with its counterparts in the UK, US, EU Member States as well as the EU cyber security agency ENISA.

I am pleased to report that progress is being made across a range of measures agreed by Government last year. There has been a particular focus on recruitment. The staffing complement at the NCSC continues to grow towards the Government's target of 70 by the end of 2024 with 42 whole time equivalent staff in the NCSC. The increased resources has enabled the NCSC to provide an enhanced service to its constituents including through the work of the NCSC Engagement Team in supporting public bodies, essential services and important industry sectors.

Work is proceeding well on the development of a dedicated HQ facility for the NCSC. Temporary accommodation has been fitted out for use by the NCSC until the new facility is completed towards the end of 2023.

There will be an Increase in the NCSC’s ability to actively detect and defeat cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure and critical networks through a variety of means, including the continued development of the NCSC’s Sensor network across the systems of public bodies, critical infrastructure, and other relevant constituents, underpinned by clear legal powers.

The ability of the NCSC to monitor and respond to incidents will be developed through the ongoing evolution of the Joint Security Operations Centre (JSOC), and expanded analytical and reporting capabilities.

Work is also advancing on the development of a technology strategy for the NCSC with external consultants.

My Department is also progressing the drafting of legislation to provide the NCSC with a clear statutory mandate and legal authority.

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