54. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for an update on the work being undertaken to establish a National Security Agency that can provide high-level vetting and security clearance services, amongst other functions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49367/26]

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to bring the National Security Authority (NSA) under the remit of my Department. Work is well underway in my Department to design a new statutory NSA to support the security and protection of classified information, in line with our EU and international obligations. This includes the development of an NSA that can provide the full spectrum of security clearances required including personnel, facilities and ICT clearances.

This priority project is a large-scale multi-year project, involving a number of departments and agencies. The Department is currently preparing a comprehensive plan and costings for the design, establishment, and operationalisation of the new National Security Authority on a statutory footing and I will be returning to government later in the year with my proposals.

A Programme Board, comprising of senior representatives from a number of departments and bodies, and chaired by the Secretary General of the Department, has been established to provide input and guidance on the strategic direction of the NSA Programme.

The NSA is currently supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and exists on an administrative basis only. Once the statutory NSA is established, responsibility for the National Security Authority will transfer to my Department.