Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 May 2026
126. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Defence the way in which her Department is supporting defence-relevant critical entities in meeting the enhanced cyber-resilience obligations set out in the National Strategy on the Resilience of Critical Entities 2026-2029, particularly in light of the requirements arising from the CER Directive and NIS2; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33218/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe European Union (Resilience of Critical Entities) Regulations 2024 were signed into law on 15 October 2024 and implement the European Directive on Critical Entities Resilience, known as the CER Directive. Part 2 of these Regulations exempt entities in the public administration sector in the areas of national security, public security, defence or law enforcement from the provisions of the regulations. In addition, entities operating in other sectors that conduct activities in the areas of national security, public security, defence or law enforcement, including the investigation, detection and prosecution of criminal offences are also exempted from certain provisions of the Regulations. These exemptions mirror similar exemptions provisions of the CER Directive.
At the EU level, the forthcoming negotiations on the next Multiannual Financial Framework will consider a range of instruments that may support research, innovation and industrial development in dual-use technologies.
Ireland will engage constructively in negotiations to ensure that opportunities arising from the Multiannual Financial Framework align with our national interests.
Ireland has a strong, internationally recognised ecosystem across digital technologies, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and space. We will seek to ensure that Irish enterprises, research institutions, and SMEs are well-positioned to benefit from such funding opportunities.
Additionally, my Department supports the Research Ireland Defence Innovation Challenge, which is a national initiative aimed at developing innovative solutions to enhance the capabilities of the Defence Forces and deliver benefits to wider society.
