Written answers

Thursday, 15 December 2022

Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Cybersecurity Policy

Photo of Neale RichmondNeale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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149. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will report on Ireland's cybersecurity infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57654/22]

Photo of Alan FarrellAlan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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150. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on Ireland’s cybersecurity capabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57455/22]

Photo of Alan DillonAlan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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152. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will report on Ireland's cybersecurity infrastructure. [58446/22]

Photo of Ossian SmythOssian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 149, 150 and 152 together.

Recognising the strategic importance of cyber security for the resilience and integrity of critical infrastructure and services, 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 EU Member States as well as the UK, US and other jurisdictions.

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 in early December. The increased resources have 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.

There will be an Increase in the NCSC’s ability to actively detect and defeat cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure and 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 NCSC has also recently completed a Technical Strategy, setting out how the organisation will develop in the coming years.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.

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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