Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2026
125. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration which Department or agency has the lead responsibility in terms of progressing cybersecurity policy at a national level; and the way this is manifested. [35645/26]
View answerFollowing the appointment of the Government last year, responsibility for cyber security policy transferred to my Department, as did responsibility for the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
My Department is currently drafting the National Cyber Security Bill, which is the legislative vehicle transposing the NIS2 Directive. NIS2 significantly enhances the cyber security supervision and enforcement regime that is already in place in the State and the enactment of the Bill is a priority for myself and the Government. The National Cyber Security Bill will also put the NCSC on a statutory footing.
In anticipation of having the legislation in place and to ensure that Ireland is ready to fully implement the Directive on the day of enactment of the Bill, we have taken significant steps to ensure that various implementing measures are in place. This includes a robust approach to sectoral regulation for the Directive with the designation of National Competent Authorities including the NSC to carry out enforcement and supervision, and who are already undertaking significant preparations to take on these new functions.
Work is also ongoing to give full effect to the Cyber Resilience Act in the State, which will ensure the cyber security of products with digital elements.
Finally, my Department is also developing Ireland’s third National Cyber Security Strategy which will set out measures to secure our digital infrastructure, enhance our resilience to cyber security threats, and build capacity at home and abroad to create a safer cyber environment.
To deliver the Strategy, an Inter-Departmental Committee has been established, chaired by my Department, with representation from a number of key Government Departments and the NCSC. This Committee will enable effective coordination on the implementation of the Strategy going forward.
