David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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146. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline the protocols, if any, that are in place to counter hybrid threats to State security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22632/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Government recognises the risk of hybrid threats to Ireland and is implementing several measures to identify, mitigate and counter hybrid campaigns.

Ireland has actively supported the measures to deal with hybrid threats which are set out in the EU Strategic Compass. This includes the development of a new EU Hybrid Toolbox, which was finalised last year, on-going negotiations on establishing Hybrid Rapid Response Teams, and developing a new Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference Toolbox.

The Government is also implementing a range of relevant measures at national level including increased investment in the National Cyber Security Centre, a Third Country Investment Screening Bill and legislation on relevant vendors in the Communications Regulations and Digital Hub Agency Act. We have also taken measures to safeguard the electoral system and to address disinformation through the Electoral Reform Act and the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act respectively.

The Department of Foreign Affairs coordinates Ireland’s international engagement on hybrid issues at the EU and with the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats, working in close cooperation with relevant Government Departments and Agencies, which have authority for hybrid threats within their own areas of responsibility.