Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 June 2021
289. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the measures his Department has undertaken to ensure that any counter action by hostile entities which involves cyber-attacks against critical infrastructure could be identified and or prevented should the situation arise whereby the United Nations authorise the suspension of the internet or internet platforms as part of a peacekeeping or peace enforcement mission. [35125/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra290. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence if groups on UN peacekeeping missions which include members of the Defence Forces have an electronic warfare capability. [35124/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra300. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence if groups which include members of the Defence Forces have an electronic warfare capability considering Ireland’s position as a troop contributing country on UN peacekeeping missions. [34956/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra301. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the measures his Department has undertaken to ensure that any counter action by hostile entities which involves cyber-attacks against critical infrastructure could be identified and or prevented should the situation arise whereby the United Nations authorise the suspension of internet or internet platforms as part of a peacekeeping or peace enforcement mission. [34957/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 289, 290, 300 and 301 together.
As of 8 June 2021, Ireland is contributing 564 personnel to 10 different missions throughout the world. The main overseas missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 337 personnel and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 136 personnel.
Cyber security is an issue of great importance for the Government and the United Nations. However, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on specific cyber activities in United Nations missions for both security and operational reasons. Similarly, I do not wish to comment on specific Defence Forces capabilities on overseas missions as it would be inappropriate to provide information that may in any way assist those with malicious intent.
Question No. 290 answered with Question No. 289.
