Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 January 2024
140. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the relationship between the National Cyber Security Centre and the Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment; if he is aware that cyber-crime is a particular concern for Irish firms; and if there are any plans to engage with businesses regarding the impact of cyber-crime on firms and the economy. [2830/24]
View answerThe Government's National Cyber Security Strategy, which was reviewed in 2023, recognises the importance of addressing cyber security threats to businesses, public bodies, and citizens. The vision for the Strategy is of an Irish society that can continue to safely enjoy the benefits of the digital revolution and play a full part in shaping the future of the internet. A priority of the Strategy is to develop the capacity of the State, research institutions, businesses, the public sector and of the people to both better understand and manage the nature of the challenges we face in this space, and to ensure that businesses and individuals can continue to benefit from economic and employment opportunities in information technology, and in particular in cyber security. The Strategy and its Mid-Term Review include a number of measures aimed at addressing cyber security risks to businesses and enabling them to seize opportunities in this dynamic sector.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which is a unit within my Department, works closely with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE), in their role as a member of the Government Cyber Security Coordination & Response (or “GovCORE”) Network of senior public service ICT professionals to combat a high level of cyber threat and build resilience across the public sector. The Government, through DETE, have set out policy associated with Artificial Intelligence through the National AI Strategy. The NCSC cooperated with DETE in the preparation of ‘Cyber Security Guidance on Generative AI for Public Sector Bodies’ which was issued to Government departments in 2023.
The NCSC also engages regularly with business representative organisations such as IBEC and ISME, and in 2023 provided a briefing for the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Task Force chaired by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade, and Employment. In addition, the NCSC frequently publishes advice and guidance of both a general and specific nature which businesses can utilise to identify and mitigate cyber security risks to their information and operational technology systems.
A National Cybersecurity Coordination and Development Centre (NCC-IE) project is underway within the NCSC which includes provision for a grant scheme, for industry and others, to assist with cybersecurity innovation and resilience measures. The NCSC is also engaged in the development of an industrial strategy on cybersecurity. A Strategy Advisory Group including DETE and several agencies under its aegis are working with the NCSC in the development of this strategy.
Policy and legislation relating to cyber crime is the responsibility of the Minister for Justice. I also wish to clarify that the NCSC has no role with regard to investigation of cyber crime or prosecution of related offences, roles which reside with An Garda Síochána and the Director of Public Prosecutions respectively.
