Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 51: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if it is her policy and Health Service Executive policy that information contained on laptops is encrypted; if so, the reason information contained on two laptops, out of 15 HSE laptops which were stolen, was not encrypted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26416/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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In relation to laptops under my Department's control, it is policy that all information is encrypted. Staff are regularly updated on their requirements in relation to the security of data through the issuing of advice notices.

The Health Service Executive fully recognises the obligation it has in relation to the personal and sensitive information that it holds and is fully committed to ensuring its protection. The HSE has developed and implemented a comprehensive set of information security policies based on respecting and protecting the privacy and confidentiality of the information it holds at all times. These policies cover electronic communications, acceptable use of information and communications technology, password standards, encryption and security of mobile devices. The policies apply to all information held by the HSE, all ICT technology resources and all users of HSE information. Responsibility for ensuring ongoing compliance with these policies is primarily a matter for senior HSE management, line managers and users of the information. Following the recent theft of 15 laptops from the HSE offices in Roscommon the HSE has reissued a directive to staff informing them of their responsibilities to have laptops encrypted and drawing attention to the potential consequences for clients, staff and the organisation of failure to do so.

With regard to the specific circumstances surrounding the non-encryption of information on two of the laptops stolen in Roscommon my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.