Tony McCormack (Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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199. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had with EU counterparts in regard to Russian cyberattacks, disinformation, and political subversion aimed at weakening democracies and dividing societies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56958/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The EU remains unwavering and unequivocal in its strong condemnation of the persistent malicious activities posed by Russia. These form part of broader, coordinated, and long-standing hybrid campaigns aimed at threatening and undermining the security, resilience and democratic foundations of the EU, its Member States and its partners. These acts include disruption to critical infrastructure, cyber-attacks, spreading misinformation and disinformation, and attempts to interfere in electoral processes.

Like other Member States, Ireland is susceptible to these malicious acts and the Government takes the risks posed extremely seriously.

The EU continues to take a strategic approach towards Russia’s hybrid threats. Building on the development of the Hybrid, Cyber and FIMI (Foreign information and Manipulation Interference) Toolboxes, which establish a framework for a coordinated response to hybrid and cyber campaigns affecting the EU and its Member States, in October 2024 the EU introduced a new set of Restrictive Measures in view of Russia’s destabilising activities. A Hybrid Rapid Response Teams concept has also been developed to support EU Member States and partners. Ireland supports the full use of all means available to prevent, deter and respond to Russia’s hybrid and cyber activities – including through sanctions. Ireland welcomes new initiatives to support Europe’s readiness and protection, including the publication of the Preparedness Union Strategy. We look forward also to the introduction of a European Democracy Shield later this year, to enhance the ability of the EU and Member States to combat disinformation and malign online manipulation by foreign powers in Europe. Ireland’s membership of the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats in Helsinki contributes to Ireland’s capacity building with regards to countering hybrid threats.

Domestically, the Government is implementing a range of relevant measures at national level to strengthen our resilience and combat threats from state and non-state actors. This includes measures to safeguard the electoral system and address disinformation through the Electoral Reform Act and the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act which provide for the establishment of An Coimisiún Toghcháin and Coimisiún na Meán respectively. These have specific powers in relation to countering disinformation. A National Counter Disinformation Strategy has also been published. Ireland has also increased investment in cyber security, including strengthening the role and resources of our National Cyber Security Centre, and enhancing our network security.