Micheál Martin promises long-delayed National Security Strategy will tackle cyber threats

Taoiseach said the National Security Strategy, due since end of 2021, is expected in 'coming months'

Empty fridges in a SuperValu store after a suspected cyberattack hit refrigeration systems, leading to food being thrown out. Picture: Damien Eagers/PA

Tackling rising cyber and hybrid threats will form key actions of the long-awaited National Security Strategy, the Taoiseach has said.

Commenting before cyberattacks of supermarkets in Ireland and at least eight other EU countries on Monday, Micheál Martin said the impending strategy comes amid a “deteriorating security situation” in Europe.

The National Security Strategy has been dogged by delays and what many sources have said has been endless redrafting and rounds of consultations. The strategy, first announced in 2019, was initially expected to be completed by the end of 2021 and was meant to cover the period 2020-2025.

Since 2021, successive government leaders and ministers have said the strategy was due to be completed by the “end of the year” — but it has yet to happen.

The development of the strategy — Ireland’s first such document — was the job of the National Security Analysis Centre (NSAC). This dedicated body was a key recommendation of the Commission on the Future of Policing, which published its report in September 2018.

The NSAC was set up within the Department of Taoiseach during 2019 but downgraded to the National Security Secretariat in 2025.

In response to a parliamentary question by Fianna Fail TD Malcolm Byrne, the Taoiseach said the Government was “committed to the delivery of a National Security Strategy in the coming months”.

He said work was still continuing on finalising the strategy, the drafting of which involved departments of foreign affairs, defence, and justice in addition to An Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces, and National Cyber Security Centre.

He said it will focus on a wide range of issues. “There will be a focus on the State’s internal security, including the evolving challenges we face from terrorism and extremism and from cyber threats," said Mr Martin.

The strategy will highlight the “need to increase investment” in national security and modernise legislation, including investigatory powers available to the security services, he said.

Mr Martin said the relevant recommendations from Commission on the Defence Forces, which reported in February 2022, will also be included in the strategy.

Mr Martin added: “It will include also the implications of recent security, defence, and international developments and their related impacts, notably the deteriorating security situation in Europe given Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, the growth in cyber and hybrid threats in Europe.” 

He said the National Security Strategy will build on relevant strategies already published, including: 

• The Maritime Security Strategy (February 2026);
• Third National Cyber Security Strategy (October 2026);
• National Counter-Disinformation Strategy (April 2025);
• Defence Policy Review (July 2024).

The Taoiseach said it also takes account of the recommendations of the first annual report of the Independent Examiner of Security Legislation (April 2026).

• Cormac O’Keeffe, security correspondent