Neale Richmond
Question:149. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will report on Ireland's cybersecurity infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57654/22]
View answerThursday, 15 December 2022
Questions (149, 150, 152)
Alan Farrell
Question:150. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on Ireland’s cybersecurity capabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57455/22]
View answer
Alan Dillon
Question:152. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will report on Ireland's cybersecurity infrastructure. [58446/22]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 149, 150 and 152 together.
Recognising the strategic importance of cyber security for the resilience and integrity of critical infrastructure and services, the Government has prioritised investment in Ireland’s cybersecurity, most notably in its investment in the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). The NCSC plays an important role in providing advice and guidance to public bodies and critical infrastructure, monitoring and analysing cyber security threats and coordinating the response to major cyber security incidents. The NCSC works closely with its counterparts in the EU Member States as well as the UK, US and other jurisdictions.
I am pleased to report that progress is being made across a range of measures agreed by Government last year. There has been a particular focus on recruitment. The staffing complement at the NCSC continues to grow towards the Government's target of 70 by the end of 2024 with 42 whole time equivalent staff in the NCSC in early December. The increased resources have enabled the NCSC to provide an enhanced service to its constituents including through the work of the NCSC Engagement Team in supporting public bodies, essential services and important industry sectors.Work is proceeding well on the development of a dedicated HQ facility for the NCSC.
There will be an Increase in the NCSC’s ability to actively detect and defeat cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure and networks through a variety of means, including the continued development of the NCSC’s Sensor network across the systems of public bodies, critical infrastructure, and other relevant constituents, underpinned by clear legal powers. The NCSC has also recently completed a Technical Strategy, setting out how the organisation will develop in the coming years.The ability of the NCSC to monitor and respond to incidents will be developed through the ongoing evolution of the Joint Security Operations Centre (JSOC), and expanded analytical and reporting capabilities.
My Department is also progressing the drafting of legislation to provide the NCSC with a clear statutory mandate and legal authority.
Question No. 150 answered with Question No. 149.