Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2026
103. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Defence the estimated cost of a further 100 additional specialist personnel as part of a Joint Cyber Defence Command managing cyber defence, defence IT services, and CIS services, as per the CODF; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52825/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Joint Cyber Defence Command is designed to conduct full-spectrum cyber operations, enabling the Defence Forces to defend robustly against cyber threats, support their operations both at home and overseas, and enhance resilience in the cyber domain.
Following the establishment of the Joint Cyber Defence Command the Defence Forces Cyber-Defence Strategy 2024 to 2027 was published. This Strategy sets out a comprehensive road map to ensure that the Defence Forces achieve operational capability in this domain.
It is not possible to provide an accurate estimate of the full costs associated with final completion at this stage. The ultimate cost will be dependent on a range of factors, including the specific role profiles required, the rank or grade at which posts are established, the level of technical expertise necessary, and the balance between military and civilian specialist capability.
Cyber Defence is a highly specialised and continuously evolving domain. As threats, technologies and operational requirements continue to develop, the precise capability requirements of the Joint Cyber Defence Command will need to remain flexible and responsive. In that context, any attempt to estimate final costs at this point would be premature and may not provide a reliable basis for planning or decision-making.
My officials continue to brief and update me on the development of the Joint Cyber Defence Command.
