Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 461: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will clarify who has access to the computerised maintenance management system; if he is satisfied that his Department is compliant with all the necessary data protection issues related to this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35733/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I understand that the Deputy is referring to the Cattle Movement Monitoring System (CMMS). The CMMS system is being replaced on a phased basis by the Animal Identification and Movement (AIM) system. The AIM system is the key application for the monitoring and recording of animal movements, providing traceability of animals in the food chain and providing assurance to consumers of Irish meat products.

Access to the AIM system has been granted to various groups (Department staff, mart and factory personnel, individual keepers etc) using the principle of least access and minimum business need and in accordance with data protection legislation. The level of access granted to Department staff is that which is necessary to allow them to carry out their official duties. The access granted to external users such as marts or individual keepers allows them to notify electronically legally required information such as an animal movement or a calf birth registration. In addition, individual keepers can view information provided by them to the system such as their herd profile and information on animals in the herd.

I would like to reassure the Deputy that my Department is fully aware of its responsibilities under Data Protection legislation and that it continually reviews the access granted to all its systems, including AIM, on a regular basis.