Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I share in the congratulations to our former colleague Alan Kelly on winning a seat in the European Parliament. I thank him for visiting us today to say goodbye to the House. I have no doubt he will make a major contribution in the European Parliament on behalf of Ireland. I wish him every success, health and good wishes.

Will the Leader arrange for the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, to come to the House, this evening if possible, to make a short statement on the robbery of 15 computers from the offices of the HSE at Lanesborough Road, Roscommon town, at some time on Friday night or Saturday morning? Some 13 of the 15 computers stolen were encrypted, but two were not. One of the computers contained very sensitive material that could affect people's livelihoods. This seems to have been a well-organised, targeted and sinister robbery. I question the lack of security in the offices and believe there was no closed circuit television in place. Many people are concerned that sensitive material on the stolen computers, including information on individuals' livelihoods and health status, including mental health, could be used for blackmail purposes. The laptops may also contain information regarding social workers' dealings with members of the public. This is an extremely serious matter.

I wish the Garda Síochána well in its inquiries into this matter and hope arrests will follow. The incident is sinister because it was carried out with the strategic purpose of stealing computers belonging to managers in the Health Service Executive office in question. If the Minister chooses to make a statement in the other House, she should also acknowledge the Seanad by making a statement in this House outlining what occurred in this case and what steps are being taken in other Health Service Executive offices to protect computers.