Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 351: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of Department owned computer desktops or laptops or other data devices, such as blackberries and memory keys, reported lost, missing or stolen from her Department in each year from 2002 to 2007; the number of these that were later recovered or found; the number still missing; if any sensitive or private data was compromised; the measures in place within her Department to secure such portable or at risk data devices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1517/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Following is the information requested by the Deputy.

Since 2002, there have been five (5) items of ICT equipment lost/mislaid/stolen, none of which has been recovered. I understand that no sensitive or private data was compromised with the loss of this equipment. My Department has an acceptable usage policy in relation to the use of ICT facilities that defines the rules of use and advises staff on the best practice for security controls and the management of confidential material.

My Department is currently examining the deployment of encryption and security products to ameliorate the risks involved with the loss/theft of portable media. The guidelines issued to staff and all ICT security arrangements are also under review as part of a wider computer security initiative in the context of the 2008 business plan.