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Minister for Communications, Energy & Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte, T.D., today warmly welcomed what is the first agreement under the Irish Presidency He said that agreement had been reached on a renewed mandate for the workings of the European Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA) following final negotiations with the European Parliament this week. He noted that this development will provide an up to date and stable framework for the Agency so as to ensure European citizens and businesses continue to be protected while online.

ENISA, which is based on the Greek island of Crete, was established as an agency of the EU in 2004 with a mandate for 5 years which was extended up to 2012. The Agency was set up to provide research, advice and expertise with the aim of enhancing the EU’s cyber security systems. The new mandate acknowledges the rapid technological developments in the area and aims to upgrade and streamline the tasks and the structures of the Agency which will reinforce its ability to meet future developments and challenges successfully.

Minister Rabbitte said that he is particularly pleased that agreement on this important dossier was reached during the first month of the Irish Presidency and emphasised the timeliness of this renewed mandate, given the forthcoming cyber security strategy and the legislative proposal on network and information security which the European Commission is due to adopt in the near future.

Minister Rabbitte went on to say that “the work of this Agency will inform future decision-making on ensuring a secure and trusted online environment and will play an important role in protecting our fundamental rights as EU citizens in this area” Minister Rabbitte acknowledged the work of the Cyprus Presidency and praised the positive and constructive approach adopted by the European Parliament, in particular that of the Parliament Rapporteur Mr. Giles Chichester, with whom the Minister met in Brussels last week, in making this resolution possible.