Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 490: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he will take in his Department to protect computer systems from theft and from the release of sensitive personal information which is held on these computer systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16144/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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My Department has developed and maintains a number of systems that contain personal data in addition to internal systems such as payroll or HR. These include an Integrated Fisheries Information System, a Foreshore Coastal Zone Management System, a Marine Vessel Registration System, a Mineral Exploration Licensing System, and a Petroleum Exploration System. Although the functions supported by most of these applications have been transferred to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and to the Minister for Transport, my Department continues to manage and maintain them at this time.

My Department employs layered network defences including intrusion detection systems, multiple firewalls, web content filtering, anti-virus, anti-spyware and anti-spam devices to block dangerous traffic and protect the network. The portfolio of measures that operates to protect the network of the Department would be considered best practice in the State or private sectors.

My Department carries out a full independent audit of all computer systems each year and one is scheduled for the third quarter of 2008. Any recommendations that are made to further secure the computers and data held by my Department will be implemented.