Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 285: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of virus attacks and hacker attacks on Garda computer systems that have been prevented in 2002, 2003, 2004 and to date in 2005; the number which have caused difficulties to systems; the kind of difficulties they have caused; the number of people who have been questioned by gardaí or others about such incidents during those separate periods; the number of arrests made; the number of prosecutions; the resources provided to prevent virus or hacker attacks; the number of systems files stolen by hackers or copied; if the Garda is satisfied with protection procedures in place to prevent people hacking into systems; the amount of money spent on protecting Garda computer systems annually; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16021/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Garda Síochána has a number of computer systems in operation and employs a wide range of security solutions, policies and procedures to safeguard these systems from unwarranted intrusion and attack. I am informed by the Garda authorities that, as a consequence of these security policies and practices, Garda systems have not suffered from an invasive attack from 2002 to date.

In keeping with industry accepted security practices neither the tools nor methodologies used to protect the IT systems and their capabilities to detect or counter specified attacks are published as it is of a sensitive nature. Security is managed by a set of specialist commercial products in a specialist mix, unique to the Garda environment.

Similarly, the amount of money spent on protecting Garda systems annually is sensitive information. That said, the Garda authorities are of the opinion that the financing of their security measures is currently adequate. Protecting Garda systems from virus and hacker attacks is an ongoing task and, where necessary, additional resources are made available from time to time.