Irish cybercrime bill approved at second stage

The Criminal Justice (Offences Relating to Information Systems) Bill 2016, which gives effect to EU directives and the Budapest Convention on cybercrime, will proceed to committee stage later this month.

Introducing the bill to the Seanad yesterday, Government minister David Stanton (pictured) said: “The interconnection of computers and information systems, through cyberspace, facilitates communication between companies and individuals across the world.

“What has become clear is that, as cyberspace has developed and evolved, so has cybercrime which is a transnational phenomenon.

“Traditional law is based on physical geography, whereas cybercrimes occur in the virtual world of cyberspace and readily intersect and transcend national boundaries.

“There is a clear need, therefore, for international co-operation in this area and harmonisation of national laws to counter the very real threats faced. It is vital that we seek to protect citizens, businesses and government structures alike from cyber attacks which represent such a growing challenge in the modern technological environment.

“That is the central aim of the Bill.”

Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin indicated their support for the bill, which Mr Stanton said showed a “shared determination to combat cybercrime”.

The committee stage will be taken on Tuesday 18 April.