Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

The laptop computer, which was the property of the Comptroller and Auditor General, was used in an office solely used by the staff of the Comptroller and Auditor General in the Department of Social and Family Affairs. I understand it was just the caretaking and security people who were informed that it was lost. However, no indication was given at that time that there was information on it. It was only when the loss of subsequent laptop computers from the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General came to public attention that it came to light that this amount of information was on it. That is why there was a gap in informing us. As soon as we were informed in August 2008, 16 months later, we immediately put in place the processes I have outlined to allay people's fears. Judging by the response, I believe those fears have been allayed. There is no indication that the information has been used in any way.

Obviously such an incident causes everybody to review security arrangements. Now the information is password protected on personal accounts with a secure network. There are bespoke application interfaces which can control the level and type of information to individuals who are working in the Department. People who are looking to access information from the system need to make a business case to management, which determines whether that staff member may have that information. We have also added read-access logging. The electronic data are stored in a secure computer site. The perimeter of the site is also secured. Encryption is now in place for all information that is being transferred.

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