John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 1515: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the procedures in place to ensure that personal data stored by his Department is secure. [30125/08]

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 Human Resources. 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 security audit of all computer systems each year and one is due shortly. Any recommendations that are made to further secure the computers and data held by my Department will be implemented.

John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 1516: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of laptop computers, data storage devices and USB memory sticks that have been stolen or lost from his Department in 2007 and to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30140/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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There have been no reported losses of desktop PCs or memory keys in my Department during 2007 or to date in 2008. With the exception of USB memory sticks, Blackberry devices are the most common data storage device in use.

The number of laptop PCs and Blackberry devices lost in the same period is shown in the following table:

There have been no reports that any sensitive data has been compromised by these losses. The level of personal information relating to members of the public processed within my Department is very small.

The level of safeguards set for these devices has historically been considered appropriate for the type of user and the sensitivity of the information that might be contained on them. The desirability of additional safeguards will be considered as part of the annual ICT security review.