1. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Taoiseach for an update on the revised National Security Strategy as was committed to in the Programme for Government; and to provide a timeline for its publication. [52080/26]

2. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Taoiseach to report on his review of the existing national security structures as was committed to in the Programme for Government; and his plans for the further strengthening of these structures. [52081/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.

The Programme for Government 2025, Securing Ireland's Future, sets out a number of commitments relating to national security and defence.

Work is ongoing in finalising drafting the strategy and the examination of our national security structures, integrating inputs from a range of relevant stakeholders, including the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Defence; Justice, Home Affairs and Migration; An Garda Síochána; the Defence Forces and National Cyber Security Centre. This work is co-ordinated by the National Security Secretariat in my Department.

The preparation of a draft strategy covers a broad range of national security issues. There will be a focus on the State’s internal security, including the evolving challenges we face from terrorism and extremism and from cyber threats, and a focus on the need to increase investment in security and to modernise our legislation in the security field, notably in the investigatory powers available to our security services.

The work also includes the implications of recent security, defence and international developments and their related impacts, notably the deteriorating security situation in Europe given Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, and the growth in cyber and hybrid threats in Europe.

The work will also build on the range of sectoral strategies and documents, and anticipated developments, including the Maritime Security Strategy, the forthcoming third National Cyber Security Strategy, the Counter-Disinformation Strategy and the Defence Policy Review. It will also take account of the recommendations of the first annual report of the Independent Examiner of Security Legislation.