Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

On the evening of 7 February, an NYBC staff member was mugged outside his home in New York and the laptop issued to him by the centre containing these encrypted files was stolen. While the police have been notified and an investigation into the robbery is ongoing, the laptop has not been recovered. The IBTS and the NYBC are very concerned about the theft and the IBTS informed the Data Protection Commissioner on 11 February about the matter. The IBTS is writing to each donor affected on 22 February to reassure them and to advise them of the possibility, however remote, that personal data might be accessed. It is also writing to general practitioners and hospitals who will, in turn, contact the patients concerned. I am also informed that an information line has been set up for anyone with concerns. The number is 1850731137. The IBTS also advises it would be glad of the opportunity to brief interested Deputies and representatives will make themselves available today at a suitable time to be arranged with the Minister for Health and Children. They will brief any Member with questions or concerns.

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