Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2026
607. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his attention has been drawn to the increasing number of cyber-attacks carried out by artificial intelligence models; the preventative measures he is taking to protect Irish people’s data, Irish companies and public services from such attacks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68800/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is an operational arm of my Department, and has a number of roles in monitoring and responding to cyber security incidents and risks in the State, and in working to build resilience. The latest National Cyber Risk Assessment (NCRA) was published last December and highlighted how AI drives systemic risk by increasing the speed, scale and sophistication of cyberattacks.
In April, the NCSC published detailed guidance on a number of AI related issues and has continued to engage closely with relevant stakeholders, including frontier AI organisations, to better understand and address emerging cyber security considerations. These engagements formed the basis of national inputs into the EU Action Plan on AI and Cybersecurity, published in July 2026, and underpins the response at an EU level to the changing threat landscape.
The NCSC continues to monitor developments in AI-enabled cyber capabilities to maintain an awareness of the risks posed and the measures necessary to mitigate them. Collaboration and communication nationally and internationally are key to responding to this rapidly changing environment. The NCSC is leveraging its existing networks to ensure that Ireland is well placed to respond to the challenges presented.
