The chief executive of an body linked to British intelligence has apologised after delegates to a cyber security event were warned not to take black cab tours 'because they are run by the IRA'
Lindy Cameron was speaking as the CyberUK 2023 conference opened in Belfast on Wednesday.
The two-day event has been organised by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which helps protect from cyber attacks and improves internet security.
The NCSC is part of the British government's secret General Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), which is responsible for electronic and other surveillance.
It has been reported that Bray Leino Events, which is helping with this week's gathering, advised its staff in a briefing paper not to take black cab tours of Belfast's famous wall murals claiming they are run by the IRA.
Staff were also instructed not to walk through housing estates near the city centre, along with the claim that some districts do not welcome English accents.
Dozens of taxi drivers and tour guides have launched defamation and other legal proceedings over the remarks.
NCSC chief executive Lindy Cameron has now apologised for the comments.
“A contractor issued some security advice in error and we recognised this advice was both factually inaccurate and offensive,” she said.
“As somebody from here I am deeply sorry that CyberUK, which is an amazing conference, a fantastic opportunity for Northern Ireland we couldn’t have imagined 25 years ago, I am deeply sorry that’s been the occasion to cause offence here in Northern Ireland.”
Ms Cameron said she has also met local community leaders.
“I am really sorry this conference has been the occasion to cause offence and I understand what that feels like and how important that local tourism is,” she told the BBC.
