Catherine Callaghan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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197. To ask the Taoiseach for an update on the proposed National Security Strategy revision which has been called on to ensure the strategy reflects the changed geo-political landscape that Europe and Ireland confronts, in particular in relation to the threats to critical offshore assets and the steps that Ireland can take to better protect both existing and planned future infrastructure from hybrid risks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49125/25]

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is committed to the delivery of a National Security Strategy and work is ongoing in drawing up the strategy, co-ordinated by the National Security Secretariat in my Department and integrating inputs from a range of relevant stakeholders, including the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Defence; Justice, Home Affairs and Migration; An Garda Síochána; the National Cyber Security Centre and the Defence Forces.

The preparation of a draft strategy covers a broad range of national security issues and it will include the implications of more recent security, defence and international developments and their related impacts, notably the deteriorated security situation in Europe, the growth in cyber and hybrid threats and including implementation of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.

Earlier this year, I established the Ministerial National Security Council, which comprises the Taoiseach as Chair, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and for Defence, and the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. The Council will ensure that at the highest level there is a structured, ongoing review of our strategic national security interests and systematised monitoring of progress with delivery on the Government’s commitments.

The National Strategy for Resilience of Critical Entities, being delivered by the Office of Emergency Planning in the Department of Defence, will lay out the framework for the identification of critical entities in the essential service sectors in the State. The strategy will outline the specific obligations and resilience-enhancement measures required from each of the critical entities and a mechanism for information-sharing and developing a collaborative approach among key stakeholders to the resilience of the essential services.

In addition, the Department of Defence is leading the development of a National Maritime Security Strategy in consultation with national and international stakeholders. It is anticipated the Strategy will include a focus on enhancing maritime domain awareness and ensuring the protection of critical maritime infrastructure, including critical undersea infrastructure.