John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 188: To ask the Taoiseach the procedures in place to ensure that personal data stored by his Department is secure. [30136/08]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Sensitive information belonging to members of the public is not generally collected by, or stored, in the Department's electronic systems. A number of specific measures are in place in my Department to protect all data which is held electronically:- Access to personal information held on databases within my Department is controlled by application security and confined to relevant authorised personnel only. Access by users to these systems is granted on an 'as needs only' basis; The Department's computer networks themselves are secured against cyber attacks through the use of security products such as multiple firewalls, anti-virus software and email security tools; Staff supplied with mobile equipment are issued with guidance to ensure devices are secured properly; The hard drives of all laptops are encrypted and do not store Departmental data physically on them; and Strong authentication methods, in addition to username and password, are in place to prevent unauthorised access to the Department's network from mobile devices.

My Department also evaluates and reviews advanced information security products and technologies as they come to market and implements them where appropriate.

John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 189: To ask the Taoiseach 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. [30151/08]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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No laptop computers, data storage devices or USB memory sticks have been stolen or lost from my Department in 2007 and to date in 2008.