Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 May 2026
45. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he is fully confident that an Garda Síochána and his Department are fully and properly prepared to respond to any cyber or hybrid attack or potential attack that may occur during our Presidency of the European Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35476/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to delivering a successful, safe and secure Presidency of the Council of the EU later this year and continues to engage closely with EU partners as preparations for the Presidency accelerate.
Central to the safe and secure delivery of the Presidency is the vital role of An Garda Síochána. An Garda Síochána have been engaged in detailed planning of all aspects of the security and policing requirements for many months now. This work includes the operational and logistics planning, interagency engagement and continuous liaison with policing and security partners across the EU.
I am briefed regularly by the Garda Commissioner on security and policing planning and am satisfied that all appropriate preparatory actions are being taken by An Garda Síochána including in relation to cyber and hybrid threats. An Garda Síochána is collaborating closely with key stakeholders including the Defence Forces and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) in relation to these threats.
The Deputy will be aware that in terms of my Department, the NCSC is undertaking additional engagement and preparedness activity, including cyber preparedness exercises to test response arrangements and strengthen coordination. This is being supported by ongoing outreach and briefing work with relevant Departments, agencies and critical entities, including through established networks, to reinforce the importance of appropriate cyber risk management measures and readiness across those organisations with key roles during the Presidency.
My Department (including the NCSC) and An Garda Síochána participate in the structures sitting under the Ministerial Council of National Security, established in 2025, which bring together a wider stakeholder group, including the National Security Analysis Centre and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and support a whole of Government approach to addressing these multifaceted security issues.
It is important to be aware that, by its nature, hybrid threat methodology is extremely diverse and can range from cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, economic action and the use of deniable kinetic force.
I would caution that while An Garda Síochána and other stakeholders are investing significant time and resources in seeking to deliver a safe and secure Presidency, it must be understood that while threat and risk can be mitigated with planning and readiness, they cannot be entirely eliminated.
