I am fully supportive of efforts to enhance and strengthen our national cyber security and resilience. Such measures ensure there is a strong foundation for our vibrant and innovative digital ecosystem.
After the formation of the Government last year, responsibility for cybersecurity policy transferred from the Communications Division to the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. Officials from my Department continue to support, and work closely with, officials from the Department of Justice to progress the implementation of cyber security measures.
Ireland has already implemented the 5G cyber security toolbox, which addresses concerns about certain vendors, via Part 3 of the Communications Regulation and Digital Hub Development Agency (Amendment) Act 2023. The proposals on ICT supply chain security in the EU Cybersecurity Act could be seen as a natural progression to strengthen these existing measures and support the implementation of the NIS2 Directive which is currently being transposed into national law by the Department of Justice through the National Cyber Security Bill.
Ireland, like all other EU Member States, takes the security of its essential critical infrastructure very seriously. However, as an open economy which welcomes foreign trade, we do not believe in protectionism and, before applying security restrictions on products in sensitive supply chains, we will need to take a balanced and proportionate risk-based assessment to implementing these types of measures.
My Department will continue to be led by expert advice on cyber security matters from the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
