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Gnáthamharc

Tuesday, 29 Jun 2021

Written Answers Nos. 270-290

Passport Services

Ceisteanna (270, 271, 280, 281)

Danny Healy-Rae

Ceist:

270. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34359/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Alan Dillon

Ceist:

271. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will be issued to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34426/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Ceist:

280. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will issue to a person (details supplied) considering the close proximity of travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34554/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Ceist:

281. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will issue to a person (details supplied) considering the close proximity of travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34555/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 270, 271, 280 and 281 together.

The Passport Service has been in direct contact with the people referred to in the Deputies' questions.

The Passport Service commenced the scaling up of operations on 4 May 2021 in line with the phased easing of restrictions set out in “COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 – The Plan Ahead”.

The Service has been focused since then on four priority areas.

- Clearing the COVID-19 backlog of 89,000 passport applications.

- Processing all adult renewal applications (including new applications) within 10 working days.

- Processing urgent and emergency applications.

- Providing of customer services through phone and WebChat.

From 1 July the Passport Service will commence the processing of all other applications received since 4 May focusing initially on child renewal applications and then first time applicants.

In the event that any applicant has urgent or emergency reasons for requiring a passport, they should contact the Passport Service’s Customer Service Hub, by phone or WebChat, to make the Passport Service aware of their situation.

Question No. 271 answered with Question No. 270.

Passport Services

Ceisteanna (272)

Cormac Devlin

Ceist:

272. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of staff from the Passport Office that are on secondment to or otherwise assisting the Department of Health by grade and month since January 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34429/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

To assist with the wider State response to COVID-19, 166 Passport Service personnel have been redeployed, at the request of different Departments, into other, essential public service roles, such as contact tracing for the HSE, assisting the Department of Social Protection to facilitate the processing of COVID-19 related benefits, providing consular assistance to Irish citizens overseas and assisting the Public Appointments Service.

Since 17 May the Passport Service has redeployed 8 staff to the Department of Health to assist in the provision of the Mandatory Health Quarantine Information Line. The number by grade can be found in the table below.

-

No

HEO

1

EO

1

CO

6

Passport Services

Ceisteanna (273)

Cormac Devlin

Ceist:

273. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of staff employed by the Passport Office by grade and month since January 2019; if the office will be taking on summer staff to deal with the current backlogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34430/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Passport Service scaled up to more normal operational levels on 4 May 2021, in line with the phased easing of restrictions set out in “COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 – The Plan Ahead”.

The Passport Service has a great deal of experience in dealing with peaks in demand, and we are confident, taking into account measures to ensure a safe workplace that the commitment made to clear all applications on hand at the end of April within 6-8 weeks is on target to be met. Simple Adult Renewals continue to be processed within 10 working days.

The Passport Service currently employs 463 staff. The full breakdown of the Passport Service staff by grade and by month since January 2019 will be supplied to the Deputy.

The Passport Service engages in robust workforce planning on an annual basis in cooperation with the Public Appointments Service. The Passport Service must remain in full compliance with the Work Safely Protocol which sets out obligations for employers and workers to put Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.

Passport Services

Ceisteanna (274)

Cormac Devlin

Ceist:

274. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of passports awaiting processing by month from January 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34431/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Passport Service commenced the scaling up of operations on 4 May 2021 in line with the phased easing of restrictions set out in “COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 – The Plan Ahead”.

The Service has been focused since then on four priority areas.

- Clearing the COVID-19 backlog of 89,000 passport applications.

- Processing all adult renewal applications (including new applications) within 10 working days.

- Processing urgent and emergency applications.

- Provision of customer services through phone and WebChat.

We appreciate the public’s understanding as we continue to scale up our operations to process both the COVID-19 backlog and new applications and our goal is to return to normal, pre-COVID levels of operation as soon as possible.

During the period to which the Deputy refers, approximately 288,000 applications have been received by the Passport Service and 249,000 passports were issued.

The total number of passport applications received and passports issued since 1 January 2021 is set out in the table below.

2021

Applications Received

Total Passports Issued

January

31,300

8,800

February

25,800

7,700

March

38,500

17,800

April

46,200

34,200

May

84,800

108,400

June

61,800

71,600

Total

288,400

248,500

At this time, there are 102,000 applications in our system. This total comprises of COVID-19 backlog applications amounting to 37,000, some of which were received in 2020, and 65,000 new applications received since 4 May 2021.

Of the 102,000 applications, approximately 60,000 are valid and those citizens are in line to receive passports or passport cards, respecting the priority being given to COVID-19 backlog applications. Of these 60,000 valid applications, 15,000 are for passports cards which have been approved and are awaiting production. These customers have already received their passport book.

The remaining 42,000 applications on hand are incomplete applications and we have been in contact with the applicants regarding the need to send in outstanding documents. Once the Passport Service receives all outstanding required documentation, issuance of passports will follow.

The Passport Service do not have any passport books waiting to be processed as these are dispatched to customers within a short period of time following approval of their application.

Question No. 275 answered with Question No. 269.

Diplomatic Representation

Ceisteanna (276)

Joe O'Brien

Ceist:

276. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the situation in Cambodia with the arrest of three environmental activists from a group (details supplied); if he will make a representation to the Cambodian government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34444/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Department is aware of the arrest and sentencing of environmental activists in Cambodia.

Officers at our Embassy in Hanoi have been in contact with the EU Delegation in Phnom Penh in relation to this situation. Within the EU, officials from the Embassy of Sweden attended the trial as observers and debriefed EU colleagues. We will continue to discuss the appropriate reaction with our EU colleagues in Cambodia and will support a united EU position on this case.

Ireland supports the right to peaceful protest and the freedoms of expression and assembly in all contexts.

Passport Services

Ceisteanna (277)

John Brady

Ceist:

277. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when paper passport applications through the An Post postal service will resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34526/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Passport Service scaled up operations on 4 May 2021, in line with the phased easing of restrictions set out in “COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 – The Plan Ahead”. The priority currently is to clear the Covid passport backlog and to continue to supply emergency and expanded customer services via our web chat and phone services. So far we have issued approx 130,000 passports since May 4th.

As part of the continued scaling up of Passport Services, the 1,500 Passport Express applications currently in our system will be processed from 1 July. This will be followed by a resumption of Passport Express and Northern Ireland Passport Express Services from 19 July with the same turnaround times that were in place in 2020 of six to eight weeks.

Passport Online will continue to be the priority channel given the efficiencies that are in-built into the system for both the applicant and the Passport Service. The processing of an online application is up to four times faster than the processing time of a paper application. In addition, the use of Passport Online can facilitate social distancing, given that a renewal application for an adult does not require the signature of a witness.

International Relations

Ceisteanna (278, 279)

Chris Andrews

Ceist:

278. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason Ireland has not continued to support the Ethiopian government but instead maintain allegiance to the Tigray People’s Liberation Front; the reason Ireland raised the issue of Tigray at the UN Security Council without consultation with the Ethiopian government and the Irish community in Ethiopia and the Ethiopian Irish community in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34541/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Chris Andrews

Ceist:

279. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support free and fair elections in Ethiopia and request that the EU take on the responsibility of acting as observers at the upcoming elections. [34542/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 278 and 279 together.

Ireland has a longstanding relationship with Ethiopia, our largest bilateral development partner, built over time and characterised by close working relationships with its people and Government. Over the past 5 years alone, Ireland invested approximately €200m to support Ethiopia’s development and growth, with a focus on governance, health, agricultural development, social protection and humanitarian assistance. Our trusted relationships have been built with the Government, civil society and local communities across Ethiopia. Ireland has never had "allegiance" to the TPLF or any other group. It is in the context of this longstanding friendship and concern for the welfare of Ethiopia that the Government raises the human impact of the conflict in Tigray and we make no excuse for doing so. And we follow the same policy in relation to the terrible effects of conflicts in other parts of the world. Indeed conflict prevention, peacebuilding and support for humanitarian access to vulnerable conflict affected communities are cornerstones of Ireland's work at the UN Security Council.

I fully acknowledge the commitments made by the Ethiopian Government in respect of humanitarian action. However, and notwithstanding these commitments, UN and other credible sources point to a continuing deterioration of the situation on the ground.

There are credible warnings of famine, and of attacks on humanitarian workers. Three aid workers were murdered last week. Since then, there have been significant developments, with Tigrayan forces reportedly entering the capital Mekelle and a declaration from the Ethiopian Government of a ceasefire to allow for planting by farmers. I welcome this announcement, and hope it leads to a general cessation of violence. UN OCHA has confirmed that 350,000 people in Tigray are in imminent danger of famine. UNICEF is warning that at least 33,000 severely malnourished children face death by starvation.

This is the context for Ireland's association with, and endorsement of, international calls for a humanitarian ceasefire, to enable planting and help avert the risk of famine. There is an urgent need for full humanitarian access. All parties to the conflict must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, which prohibit attacks directed against civilians. It is imperative that Eritrean forces leave Tigray immediately. Ireland continues to advocate for an effective response to the situation in Tigray, and for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, through our bilateral engagement with Ethiopia, our EU Membership, and at the UN Security Council. We maintain a full range of regular and ongoing contacts with Ethiopia, including in Dublin, Addis Ababa, the Permanent Missions to the United Nations in New York and Geneva, as well as in EU forums in Brussels. Ireland’s Embassy in Addis Ababa plays a key role in this regard, and Embassy officials have visited Tigray on a number of occasions. When I met with Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Ireland last month, we had a good exchange on the situation in his country, complementing Minister Coveney's discussions with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. Ireland continues to work on the Security Council to maintain a focus on the situation in Tigray. We have engaged closely with Ethiopia in this regard. Most recently, on 15 June, we called an informal meeting of the Security Council that focused on the humanitarian situation, in which Ethiopia participated. In April, Ireland led the negotiation of a Council press statement on the situation in Tigray, the first time the Security Council spoke publicly on the crisis. We have made a joint request for a further Council meeting this week.

We also continue to closely monitor the wider situation in Ethiopia. On 21 June, Ethiopia undertook partial national elections. There were significant concerns among the international community, including the EU, that the situation on the ground was not conducive to a credible, inclusive and transparent electoral process. The planned EU Election Observation Mission was not deployed, as it was not possible to reach agreement with the Ethiopian authorities on essential parameters. Ireland supported local civil society organisations to monitor the election situation on the ground.

Ireland’s continued priority will remain, as always, supporting the needs of the most vulnerable people in Ethiopia, including those affected by conflict in Tigray. My Department, through the Irish Aid programme, has so far provided over €3.2 million to support the humanitarian response in Tigray and the refugee response in neighbouring Sudan, through our trusted UN and NGO partners on the ground.

Question No. 279 answered with Question No. 278.
Question No. 280 answered with Question No. 270.
Question No. 281 answered with Question No. 270.

Visa Agreements

Ceisteanna (282)

David Stanton

Ceist:

282. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when he expects his Department to resume the processing of working holiday authorisations from Canada and the United States of America; if Irish embassies in these countries are currently accepting such applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34566/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Working Holiday Authorisations (WHAs) play an important role in building Ireland’s bilateral relations with the United States, Canada and a number of other non-European countries and regions with which we have reciprocal agreements. As Minister, I am fully supportive of the objectives of the Working Holiday programmes and their important contribution in promoting people-to-people contacts, and am keen to see the programmes resume once circumstances allow.

Since the onset of the pandemic, we have temporarily ceased processing new applications under the WHA programmes in the United States and Canada. While the relevant Missions in the United States and Canada continue to accept applications for WHAs, processing of applications is paused until circumstances sufficiently improve to allow the safe resumption of these two programmes. Submitted applications will remain on file and will be processed once operations resume. A primary concern remains the health, welfare and well-being of those who would seek to travel to Ireland on a WHA. A range of public health restrictions remain in place in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Ireland. This situation is kept under regular review, and the Department will continue to monitor the situation in Ireland, in conjunction with colleagues in other relevant Departments, with a view to re-opening these programmes as soon as circumstances allow.

At the present time, it is the view that circumstances do not yet allow for the processing of new WHA applications in a manner consistent with public health guidance and the aims of these two WHA programmes.

We continue to monitor the evolving situation here and in the United States and Canada, in terms particularly of public health advice, travel restrictions, job opportunities and the availability of short-term accommodation. Our Missions in the United States and Canada will be instructed to resume processing applications when circumstances allow young people to benefit from a working holiday here and to fully experience Ireland’s culture and way of life. A public announcement will be made as soon as application processing resumes.

Departmental Policies

Ceisteanna (283)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

283. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way his Department and public bodies and agencies under his remit fulfil their obligations under section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34855/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department is fully committed to promoting a fair and equal workplace for our people and, in particular, to our obligations under the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014.

Equality and respect for human rights are fundamental values of my Department both as a policy objective and in the performance of its functions. The fostering of a positive working environment is a guiding principle for the implementation of our strategic objectives. My Department’s HR Strategy 2019-2022 included ‘Building a Positive, Diverse and Innovative Workplace’ as one of its four goals. This inclusion aligns both with my Department’s values and with the central Irish Civil Service Renewal Plan and underscores our commitment to fostering equality and respect for human rights in the Department’s workplace. Under our Customer Service Charter, we are committed to treating everyone fairly and impartially. We also require that our staff be treated with respect.

A key governance structure for the fulfilment of our obligations under the 2014 Act is the Management Board Sub-Committee on Gender, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (GEDI), which is chaired by two members of the Management Board. The Sub-Committee, in cooperation with Human Resources Division and other units of my Department, progresses initiatives and runs regular events to promote, inter alia, the goals of equality at home and through our Mission network overseas.

My Department is committed to proofing our policies, procedures and services across our business areas to ensure that we comply with our requirements in the area of human rights and equality. To this end, the Statement of Strategy 2021-23 commits my Department to conduct an assessment of the human rights and equality issues relevant to its functions. This will enable us to identify further concrete actions that can be taken to ensure that we comply with our obligations under the 2014 Act. This work is already underway, with the initial stage focused on our HR policies and practices.

There are no bodies or agencies under the remit of my Department.

Disabilities Assessments

Ceisteanna (284)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

284. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way his Department and public bodies and agencies under his remit undertake disability impact assessments; the process by which these assessments are monitored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34872/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department is committed to ensuring our policies, procedures and services across our business areas comply with our requirements in the area of human rights and equality including disability. In line with the Cabinet Handbook, as part of every proposal that goes to Government we are required to assess and declare that there are no impacts for the following: North/South or East/West relations, Jobs, Gender Equality, Poverty Proofing, Competitiveness & Industry Costs, Rural Communities, Quality Regulation, People with Disabilities. Should a proposal to Government have an impact on People with Disabilities, a disability impact assessment should then be included as part of the Memorandum to Government process.

There are no bodies or agencies under the remit of my Department.

Visa Agreements

Ceisteanna (285)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

285. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will address the matter of a student (details supplied) accepted for a place in a US university but who cannot access an appointment in the US Embassy to secure a student visa. [34900/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the processing of US student visas, and the provision of appointments at US Embassies, are solely a matter for the US authorities, I cannot advise on this specific case. My advice to those seeking to apply for a US student or exchange visa is to monitor the US Embassy in Dublin's website and to engage with them directly on visa appointment issues.

My officials have, however, raised the issue with the US Embassy in Dublin, encouraging them to process student visas as soon as it is feasible and safe to do so. Together with other EU countries, we have also written to US Secretary of State Blinken requesting reconsideration of the US travel restrictions currently in place. This letter specifically references the plight of those wishing to apply for student and exchange visas.

Ireland is deeply committed to supporting exchanges between our two countries at every level. These play an essential role in building transatlantic understanding and extraordinary academic links. Such exchanges are also vital to our economic relationships, and for building people-to-people connections across the Atlantic. We are particularly keen that the current travel restrictions will not negatively impact the future of the J1 and Working Holiday Agreement programmes.

My Department has a very strong and positive working relationship with the US Chargé d’affaires and her team at the US Embassy in Dublin. We will continue to maintain regular contact with the Embassy, and with the US State Department via our Embassy in Washington D.C., including with regard to travel restrictions between our two countries.

Diplomatic Representation

Ceisteanna (286)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

286. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will seek clarification in the case of two persons (details supplied); and if he will engage with the Irish Embassy in Greece to seek a resolution. [34904/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I can confirm that the Department of Foreign Affairs can issue a civil letter of freedom (Certificat de Coutume) to Irish citizens getting married abroad. This is not a requirement under Irish law, but is sometimes required by the relevant authorities in the country in which a citizen wishes to get married.

The Certificat de Coutume that the Department of Foreign Affairs issues is a standard certificate which contains the applicant's name, date of birth, passport number, and address, and which states that the applicant is free to marry. No other information can be added to the Certificat de Coutume.

In the case of certain Member States of the European Union, we provide, along with the Certificat de Coutume, a Multilingual Standard Form (MSF) which is a translation of the information provided on our Certificat de Coutume, and is used throughout the EU.

In this case, Certificats de Coutume were issued for the individuals in May. I can confirm that our Embassy in Athens has already been in further contact with the individuals, and that the issue regarding recognition has been addressed.

Undocumented Irish in the USA

Ceisteanna (287)

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

287. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of E3 visas between the United States of America and Ireland; the engagement that has taken place over the past year between Irish representative groups in the US and the Irish Embassy and consulates on the issue of the undocumented Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34954/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Addressing the situation of undocumented Irish emigrants in the US and working to secure legal pathways for Irish people who wish to live and work in the US are key priorities for this Government. We have continued to raise these matters in our engagement with successive US Administrations, Members of US Congress and leaders from across the political spectrum. The Taoiseach raised the matter in March this year directly with President Biden during his St. Patrick's Day virtual visit. He also discussed the issue of the E3 visa bill, and of creating pathways to citizenship, with the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi.

I am glad to see that immigration issues, including possible pathways to citizenship, are a priority for the President as demonstrated by his proposed US Citizenship Act of 2021. We continue to pursue the E3 Visa Bill, which, if passed, could allow access to thousands of US visas each year to Irish citizens, providing new opportunities to live and work in the US. Our Embassy in Washington D.C. continues its extensive outreach in support of the Bill, working with a range of Members of the US House of Representatives and the Senate. We will seek the reintroduction of the Bill to Congress at the earliest opportunity.

Through Our Embassy in Washington D.C., as well as our Consulates across the US, we engage regularly with Irish representative groups in the US, particularly the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centers. The Coalition of Irish Immigration Centers receives significant annual funding through the Government’s Emigrant Support Programme. Furthermore, in response to the pandemic, a dedicated COVID-19 Response Fund for Irish Communities Abroad was set up to help these organisations meet the needs of those who are particularly vulnerable. In 2020, over €4.25m was paid to diaspora organisations in the US for ESP and Covid-19 related projects.

We will continue to support and engage with these groups, which support the needs of Irish citizens in the US. We will also actively engage with the Administration as they pursue comprehensive immigration reform in the US.

Cybersecurity Policy

Ceisteanna (288)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

288. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Defence the role his Department has in implementing the National Cyber Security Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34629/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As we have all seen from recent incidents, Cyber security is an issue with very significant implications for governmental administration, for industry, for economic wellbeing and for the security and safety of citizens. It is a standing item on the agenda of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning which I Chair where it is always a key topic of discussion.

The response to cyber threats is a whole-of-Government challenge, with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications taking the lead role and with inputs in the security domain from An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces.

The National Cyber Security Centre, which is part of the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, is the primary authority responsible for cyber security in the State, including incident response, cyber resilience and information provision. While the primary role of the Defence Forces with regard to Cyber Security relates to the defence and security of its own networks and systems, the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces are committed to participating, under the leadership of the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, in the delivery of measures to improve the Cyber Security of the State. This is being done in line with the Programme for Government commitment to implement the National Cyber Security Strategy, recognizing the potential and important role of the Defence Forces.

Ireland’s current National Cyber Security Strategy? was published in December 2019 and it follows on from the country's first Strategy which was issued in 2015. The current Strategy also reflects the operational experience gained by the National Cyber Security Centre since it was established in 2011, and from ongoing national and international engagements in the area. Department of Defence officials and the Defence Forces inputted to the drawing up of this Strategy.

Department officials and members of the Defence Forces are actively involved in the implementation of the new Strategy which, in conjunction with the White Paper on Defence 2015, will continue to inform our engagement in this critical area. This includes work to develop an updated, detailed risk assessment of the current vulnerability of all Critical National Infrastructure and services to cyber-attacks and the secondment of a member of the Defence Forces to the Cyber Security Centre of Excellence in Tallinn, Estonia. My Officials are also part of the steering group developing a Baseline Cyber Security Standard for Government Departments and Agencies, they participate in the UK-Ireland Critical National Infrastructure Cyber Cooperation Working Group and my officials also actively participate on the Inter-Departmental Committee overseeing the overall implementation of the National Cyber Security Strategy.

In addition, the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces have a Memorandum of Understanding and a Service Level Agreement with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications to provide support in the area of national cyber security. The overall aim is to improve the cyber security of the State through various types of assistance and support while also ensuring the operational requirements of the Defence Forces are prioritised, including the ongoing sharing of information and analyses of risks.

I would also add that my Department implements a programme of continuous review in relation to ICT security in order to keep up to date with current threat levels given that cyber security is a multi-facetted challenge that is constantly evolving. Details of measures taken are not publicised for security reasons.

While it would also be inappropriate for me to comment on the specific cyber activities and the resourcing of same by the Defence Forces, for both security and operational reasons, I can inform the Deputy that the priority for the Defence Forces Communications and Information Services Corps is the protection of the Defence Forces Communications Network. Other activities undertaken by the CIS Corps include the monitoring and handling of cyber incidents, the enhancement of Defence Forces cyber situational awareness and the provision of cyber awareness training.

Cybersecurity Policy

Ceisteanna (289, 290, 300, 301)

Sorca Clarke

Ceist:

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 fhreagra

Sorca Clarke

Ceist:

290. 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 fhreagra

Sorca Clarke

Ceist:

300. 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 fhreagra

Sorca Clarke

Ceist:

301. 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 fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I 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.

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