Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 June 2013
85. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress that has been made in establishing a Network and Information Security competent authority, as required as a result of a vote at the European Parliament; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26708/13]
View answerIn February, the European Commission published a proposal for a European Directive concerning measures to ensure a high common level of network and information security across the European Union. The Irish Presidency has been active in initiating discussions in the Council of the European Union and on 6 June, I chaired an orientation debate in the Council in regard to this matter. While all Member States, including Ireland, recognise the growing importance of network and information security as we become ever more reliant on the Internet and on online services generally, there is a diversity of views and opinions on how to realise increased cyber security. It is recognised by all that deliberations at EU level on this proposal are at an early stage. The European Parliament has only recently commenced deliberations on this proposal. Consequently it is premature to comment at this time on implementation at national level on what is merely an EU legislative proposal at the early stages of deliberation and which may be subjected to significant change.
