The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), in my Department, is leading on the development of a Cyber Security Research Centre of Excellence, as agreed in the Programme for Government. The Centre will:
• operate from both a dedicated physical facility and a robust virtual platform;
• provide a focal point for researchers across the State to collaborate; and
• drive cutting-edge cybersecurity research, nurture emerging talent and accelerate innovation to address national challenges.
The NCSC has established a Steering Group of key stakeholders to oversee and guide the project, including the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Research Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and the IDA.
The NCSC is carrying out a strategic assessment of the project at present to validate an already advanced proposal, with a view to bringing a detailed project outline to Government.