Cyber threats and security preparations ahead of EU summits

Former Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces Mark Mellett discussed the recent surge in cyber threats, including hundreds of bomb threats targeting schools in Ireland and other European countries. He characterized these actions as attempts to create unease, disrupt services, and undermine institutions by sowing confusion.

“I think really it’s about causing unease. It’s trying to undermine and disrupt services. It’s about consuming resources. It’s making things irregular for normal citizens in the country. But it’s also, I think, about undermining the institutions … and it’s about sowing confusion,” Mellett stated.

While cautioning against premature attribution, Mellett suggested that strengthening Russia benefits from a weakened Europe. He anticipates further disruptions, likely remaining below the threshold for clear attribution to maintain an atmosphere of uncertainty – a hallmark of hybrid warfare.

Despite past limitations in defense investment, Mellett expressed confidence in Ireland’s ability to manage the security challenges of hosting such a large-scale event, emphasizing the support from the UK and other EU nations. He stressed the need for international collaboration, noting that no single nation could handle the task alone. “For a state like Ireland to succeed in an event like this, it must also be recognised it can’t do it on its own. In fact, this is beyond the capacity of any single state. The international nature of this is such that you need to actually work closely with partners.”

Meanwhile, a public sector strike initially planned for tomorrow has been averted following an agreement on a new pay deal. The agreement stipulates a 10.75% increase over a period of two years and nine months. Work and Technology Correspondent Brian O’Donovan will analyze the implications of this deal for workers and the national treasury, with unions now facing a ballot to decide whether to accept the terms.

The “Behind the Story” podcast, featuring the discussion with Mark Mellett and analysis of the pay deal, is available on the RTÉ Listen app, as well as Apple and Spotify.