Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 465: To ask the Minister for Defence the measures or policies that have been implemented to prevent loss of private data from laptops, blackberries and other hand-held devices in his Department; if he has satisfied himself that all personal information held within his Department is secure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35667/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The use of all portable electronic devices in my Department and the Defence Forces is covered by comprehensive ICT security policies, which have been in force for some years. The policies have undergone recent review and are supplemented by additional instructions from time to time to reflect changing requirements and best industry practice. They are published and distributed to all staff and are available on internal Defence networks. In line with these policies, all newly issued laptops have full hard disk encryption prior to issue and this level of protection is also being rolled out to older models. All devices issued are registered, tracked and updated with increased levels of protection, as necessary, from time to time. I am satisfied that these measures provide robust means of protection for all personal or private data held on portable electronic devices.