Written answer
Irish Aid
5. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline any development aid projects supported by Ireland that assist in building cyber resilience in other territories. [35682/26]
Comment on this
The Government’s international development policy, A Better World, recognises that while digital technologies provide powerful tools for inclusive development, they also create new vulnerabilities including cyber security threats. Developing countries’ institutions are often not adequately equipped to withstand cyber threats. Through our development cooperation, and guided by the National Cyber Security Strategy, we contribute to collective efforts to adapt to the pace and risks of global digital change.
Ireland has supported the participation of delegates from Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States in meetings of the United Nations' open-ended working group on Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs). Working through the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs, Ireland's support has delegates to contribute fully in formal negotiations, on strengthening national cyber policy capacities while helping to ensure that emerging global cyber norms reflect the perspectives and needs of the most vulnerable states.
In Ukraine, Ireland has provided €500,000 to support measures to strengthen the Central Election Commission’s Information Technology infrastructure against cyber threats. This support includes funding for targeted technical engagements and upgrades which are essential for conducting future elections securely, safeguarding sensitive electoral data, and ensuring the continuous operation of core systems such as the voter registry.