Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 261: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the way her Department disposes of redundant information technology equipment; if she is satisfied that all stored information has been removed prior to disposal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32352/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Disposal of redundant information technology equipment is carried out in line with Department of Finance circular 30/03 "Depreciation and Disposal of PCs and other computer hardware". Where equipment with hard drives are being disposed of, data are erased in compliance with industry standards to ensure that all information is removed. This is carried out in all cases regardless of whether the equipment is being donated to charity or recycled. In cases of hard drive failure where data cannot be accessed, hard drives are physically destroyed to ensure that no data may be retrieved.

Redundant information technology equipment is disposed of by certified recycling companies selected by way of competitive tender. Following collection of the redundant equipment the relevant company are requested to provide my Department with suitable certification indicating that all items will be disposed of in accordance with EU Directive 2002/96/EC1 on waste electrical and electronic equipment as enacted by the Waste Management (Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment) Regulations 2005.