62. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for an update on his work to combat online fraud and cyber threats, and to bring Ireland in line with the NIS2 Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49368/26]

My Department continuously evaluates and adapts its strategies to deal with combatting cyber threats to Irish citizens and our critical national infrastructure.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which leads on the State’s response to cyber risk and comes under the remit of my Department, published Ireland’s National Cyber Emergency Plan in May 2026. The plan sets out the national approach for responding to serious cyber security incidents that affect nationally important systems and networks. As the plan has been developed in alignment with the Strategic Emergency Management National Structure and Framework, it establishes the structures for co-ordinating a "whole of society" approach to preparing for and responding to a cyber emergency. In addition, the NCSC regularly publishes alerts, advisories and guidance documents on a range of cyber security related topics to assist citizens in raising their cyber security awareness.

The National Cyber Security Bill which is the legislative vehicle for the transposition of the NIS2 Directive will also establish the NCSC on a statutory basis and provide for related matters including clarity around its mandate and role in general and in relation to other actors in the cyber area. This legislation represents a significant step in strengthening the State’s cyber security and resilience.

As the Deputy will appreciate, under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, the detection and investigation of any form of criminal activity, including online cyber dependant crimes or cyber enabled crimes, is an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner who is independent in the performance of his functions under section 34(1) of that Act. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters, but if anyone suspects they have been the victim of a cyber crime or fraud, I would encourage them to contact Gardaí to report this at the earliest possible time.