Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 337: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the procedures in place to protect personal data within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31241/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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All officials of my Department are bound by the provisions of the Official Secrets Act. In addition, on the day of their appointment, all officials of my Department are made aware of their responsibilities under the Data Protection Act. All data held in my Department, including personal data, is protected by both physical and technical safeguards. The provisions of the Data Protection Act are kept under regular review by my Department, to ensure our ongoing compliance. The categories of personal data retained by my Department are reviewed annually, to ensure that our obligation to register thesewith the Data Protection Commissioner is discharged.