Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2023
181. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will set out the progress made to date in establishing a Joint Cyber Defence Command; the number of additional cyber specialists recruited to date to manage cyber defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29775/23]
View answerIn terms of cybersecurity, the primary role of the Defence Forces relates to the defence and security of their own networks and systems. From an operational perspective it would be inappropriate to comment on the numbers currently in place in the Defence Forces working on cyber capability, however, this important role is being developed in the context of the High Level Action Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces and will grow in importance as threats in the cyber space increase.
The recommendation by the Commission on the Defence Forces to create a Joint Cyber Defence Command was accepted in principle by the Government, which meant that it required further consideration on the optimal approach to meeting the intent of the Commission. Sanction has been given for the Defence Forces to create a new Cyber Development Planning Office which will start the planning needed to enhance Defence Forces structures across the cyber domain required by a new Joint Cyber Defence Command, including the management of Defence Forces IT Services, CIS Services and Cyber Defence.
This Cyber Development Planning Office will also progress other cyber-related recommendations identified in the High Level Action Plan, including updating and publishing a cyber defence strategy in line with best international practice and standards as well as incorporating practical lessons identified from comparator countries and EU Member States’ maturing cyber commands.
Also of note is that a member of the Defence Forces is seconded to the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence. A ceremony to mark Ireland’s joining of the Cyber Defence Centre was held last month. This Estonia-based Centre is a multinational cyber defence hub with a total membership of 38 nations from all across the world, both NATO and non-NATO members, with member states ranging geographically from Iceland to Australia. It allows members to work together and to pool knowledge to enhance cyber defence. Along with Ireland, other nations officially joining the Centre at last month’s ceremony were Iceland, Japan and Ukraine.
