Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

As a result of my and the House's interest in this issue over time, I raised it at management board meetings within the Department to ensure that the most up-to-date security systems, in terms of the new ICT systems that are being put into the Department, give the highest possible level of protection to the information supplied by customers. There are spot checks in the Department and senior staff have responsibilities in this area also. At all times we seek to enhance the process.

In addition, new enhanced security systems are being included in some of the existing older systems that are maintained. Given the scale and number of operations — over 50 schemes and over 1 million customers getting payments every week — by and large the Department and its officials are doing a very good job.

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