Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 March 2023
163. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department has considered banning an application (details supplied) from the phones of Ministers and civil servants, in line with Britain, the USA and the European Commission; if he has discussed the matter with any social media companies or experts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14419/23]
View answerThe National Cyber Security Centre, which is part of my Department, issues guidance to Government Departments and office holders on the security of mobile devices. This guidance is based on risk assessments appropriate to the circumstances and is kept under continuous review by the NCSC.
Earlier this month, the NCSC reviewed and updated its current mobile phone guidance for Government officials. The new guidance recommends that officials strictly limit their use of third-party apps on official devices, particularly apps such as social media, gaming, gambling or fitness apps. The guidance also provides advice to officials on precautions to take regarding their devices while travelling.
The NCSC is presently working on a comprehensive guidance document on device security for public sector bodies in Ireland, which will include mobile phones. This work is being conducted with the assistance of the Data Protection Commission and other State bodies, together with information gathered from international partners. This work has been underway for some time and will conclude in the coming months
The Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the 2019 National Cyber Security Strategy is currently underway and I will shortly be bringing it to government. The MTR consultation paper provides a brief account of progress to date in delivering the measures under the 2019 Strategy and possible future measures for the remaining years of the Strategy including measures on security of mobile telecommunications.
