Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 320: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied that personal information relating to members of the public held on her departmental databases is safe from hackers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34285/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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All database information held in my Department is handled in accordance with the requirements of the Data Protection Acts 1998 and 2003. The Department has policies in relation to the acceptable use of ICT facilities. Access control policies determine access rights to sensitive personal data. Data under the General Register Office (GRO) is governed by the Civil Registration Act 2004 and the security procedures in place are in accordance with best practice.

The policy in relation to usage of ICT facilities exists to ensure that ICT systems are protected from a range of threats. My Department deploys a number of ICT security measures including industry-standard firewalls, authentication devices and security software to ensure that all data residing on Departmental networks are secure. From time to time testing of the infrastructure by independent experts takes place. I am satisfied that all reasonable preventative measures are in place to guard against attack from hackers. My Department is aware of the on-going challenges in relation to protecting its data and is constantly reviewing its procedures.