Bill to meet EU cybercrime obligations passes second stage

Legislation to incorporate EU rules on cybercrime into Irish law has been approved by TDs at the second stage in the Dáil.

Commending the Criminal Justice (Offences Relating to Information Systems) Bill to TDs, minister of state David Stanton said the reforms were essential.

The main purpose of the bill is to give effect to provisions of EU Directive 2013/40/EU on attacks against information systems.

It will also give effect to many of the key provisions of the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, which Ireland signed in 2002.

It provides for criminal offences in relation to attacks against information systems and establishes penalties for such offences, the most serious of which is imprisonment for up to 10 years.

Speaking at the start of the debate, Mr Stanton told TDs: “I am sure Deputies will agree that it is vital that we seek to safeguard modern information and communication systems and also maintain users’ confidence in the safety and reliability of such systems.

“This is arguably even more important and appropriate in Ireland which has become somewhat of a global cyber hub in view of the number of high tech IT and internet-based companies that have major operations here.

“This legislation ensures that unlawful activities relating to information systems are criminalised and that strong penalties are in place to both deter and punish offenders.”

The bill has now been referred to the Dáil justice committee.