Cyber security and Russian activity
Deputy Donnelly raised cyber attacks on Irish organisations and reported Russian intelligence activity, asking about resources for the National Cyber Security Centre. The Tánaiste said cyber security is a cross-government priority and extra resources would be provided if needed.
I will pick up where Deputy Eamon Ryan finished, on the upcoming changes to data protection legislation. We have seen analysts' reports on increased Russian cyber attacks on Ireland. The reviews we have seen show that the attacks are on State organisations, as well as private sector organisations. They come at the same time as numerous credible reports on increased activity by the Russian intelligence services in seeking permission from Ireland to engage in increased activity and for increased staff for Russian intelligence services in Ireland. The National Cyber Security Centre is key to the future protection of both the public sector and the private sector. On the upcoming data protection legislation or any other upcoming legislation - we believe there are numerous pieces of legislation in which it could fit - what are the Government's plans to ensure the National Cyber Security Centre will have the legislative teeth, powers and resources it needs to deal with what could be an increase in the number of very sinister attacks in the future?
Comment on this
Cyber security is a big issue. The national cyber security strategy is led by the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Denis Naughten, but, of course, multiple other Departments feed into it, from the Department of Defence to the Department of Justice and Equality and others. It is a rolling policy that is constantly being updated, as it needs to be.
If more resources are needed I can assure the Deputy that given the importance of this issue the Government will make them available, but it is up to the lead Department and the lead Minister to bring recommendations to Cabinet in that area.