Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 1308: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the plans she has to pay compensation to persons affected by the loss of the laptop containing their personal and social welfare payment information as recognition of the anxiety and concern that this loss has caused; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30442/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The laptop belonging to the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) was reported missing in April, 2007. On 1st of August, 2008, some 16 months after the laptop went missing, the Office of the C&AG informed the Department that the missing laptop contained a number of files used in connection with the audit of the Social Insurance Fund for 2004 and 2005.

Since being notified of the contents of the laptop on 1 August, 2008, the Department has taken all reasonable steps to minimise any anxiety which may have been caused to its customers. The Department contacted the Gardaí, various other Government Departments and agencies and payment institutions. To date there is no indication of any systematic misuse of the information contained on the laptop in the seventeen months since the theft occurred. Information notices were placed in the press and all of the customers concerned were contacted in writing. In addition, a 'freephone' help desk was established in order to deal with customer enquiries, offer advice and allay concerns.

While the Department deeply regrets the loss of this information, there is no evidence of any injury, loss or damage having been suffered by any of our customers arising from the theft of the laptop which might give rise to consideration of compensation.