Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 359: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she proposes changes to the way clients are advised when laptops are stolen from her Department containing clients' confidential details; when she expects encryption software to be installed on all laptops; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33696/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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It is the Department's policy to work closely with the Data Protection Commissioner in relation to its response to any incident where laptops are stolen which contain confidential client information. In the most recent incident involving the contents of a missing laptop from the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General, the Department wrote to all those whose personal details were contained on the laptop. A dedicated freephone helpline was also put in place to deal with any issues the customers affected might have. The Commissioner welcomed the manner in which the Department addressed the issue and stated publicly that he considered that this approach represented 'best practice and a truly first rate response in the circumstances'.

Every effort is being taken to avoid loss of equipment and the Department is continuing to enhance its protection of personal data. The Department's policy is that sensitive data should not be stored on laptops. However, in the event that there is no alternative to local storage, all sensitive data must be appropriately secured. All new laptops are issued with encryption software. The Department is currently arranging a recall of its current stock of laptops to install encryption software. This process is expected to be completed by the end of December 2008.