Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

As Deputy McDonald said, there have been issues relating to data security in the Department of Justice. I have spoken in the House previously on a whole load of IT issues relating to Windows 7 and the upgrade to same which has still not been sorted. Given Covid-19 and the fact that so many people are working from home, this is a pretty serious issue.

In the context of data protection and judicial appointments, is the Taoiseach provided with information and details on other candidates that may be considered and if so, how is that data transferred to him from the Department of Justice? Is it sent via email or is it done orally? I ask the Taoiseach to confirm to the House whether he has ever been briefed by the Department of Justice or the Minister for Justice on any candidates and their suitability? How is that information stored? Where is it stored? Is the Taoiseach briefed by his Secretary General prior Cabinet meetings in regard to those individuals? Is he briefed on this when he is setting the Cabinet agenda for the following week? Is he briefed on the Thursday or Friday of the week before, prior to setting the Cabinet agenda for the following Tuesday? Is he briefed by the Secretary General to the Government on those issues as well?

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