Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

In light of the recent series of laptop theft, will the Taoiseach indicate what steps are being taken within his Department and across all Departments to assess the security of personal data on citizens? Does the Taoiseach accept the theft of a laptop with the social welfare records of some 380,000 citizens and significant other material on their personal circumstances, including details of marriages, births etc., is very distressing? There is an undoubted confidence deficit in the public arena that must be addressed. Does the Taoiseach accept the call of the Data Protection Commissioner for all major holders of information on clients or citizens, be it in the public or private sector, to employ every care to ensure that information is not put at risk?

Does the Taoiseach accept that, in most instances, it appears the laptops stolen were not in an office environment at the time of the theft? They were stolen in transit between home and work or from public transport. The need for the removal of sensitive data transported in that manner must be examined. Will the Taoiseach assure us there is a review under way and that steps are being employed to ensure the security of information held on citizens by all Departments?

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