INTRODUCTION
In this article, we consider recent policy and strategy level
developments in the cyber security sphere in Ireland.
The World Economic Forum Global Risks Report for
20151 ranks technological risks, most notably
cyber-attacks, among the most likely and impactful global risks.
Cyber-crime and cyber-attacks, both nationally and internationally,
have heightened awareness of these vulnerabilities and elevated
cyber security to the national agenda. Along with other western
economies, Ireland has taken the first organised national steps on
the path to at least some degree of coherent national cyber
security requirements.
Ireland has a developed infrastructure that is dependent on
information and communication technologies (ICT). Critical national
infrastructure such as energy, water, social welfare,
telecommunications, banking and healthcare are dependent on ICT,
not just to operate effectively, but to operate at all. Apart from
indigenous companies nine
