Written answers

Wednesday, 2 April 2008

Department of Health and Children

Computerisation Programme

9:00 pm

Photo of Bernard AllenBernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 267: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the procedures being followed by her Department in updating the security of its computer systems and data in all its offices following the recent theft of data containing the personal details of 170,000 Irish blood donors. [11472/08]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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My Department's computer systems are protected against a range of threats through the use of industry standard firewalls, security software and authentication devices and also use the government network infrastructure for external connectivity. An incident reporting system is in place to monitor amongst other things, potential security threats.

Procedures are in place requiring staff to adhere to an acceptable usage policy that outlines best practice in computer usage and security issues. As part of the 2008 business plan, a comprehensive review of these guidelines is under way. My Department has also examined data security as part the review announced by An Tánaiste in November 2007 and will be fully implementing procedures to protect the confidentiality of personal data as outlined in the review.

My Department is currently evaluating tender responses for the provision of security products, including encryption, in relation to the protection of Departmental data on portable and fixed devices and expects to go to the market in the near future for further products to enhance the security of the infrastructure.

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