Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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671. To ask the Minister for Health if he is preparing his Department to adapt to and make maximum use of next generation technologies in information and communications to better enhance the interaction of his Department with the citizen and the internal functioning of his Department; if he intends to conduct a risk analysis in respect of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36106/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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In addition to providing for its own ICT needs, my Department provides ICT services to the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and its associated agencies, the Adoption Authority of Ireland, the Office of the Ombudsman for Children and the Family Support Agency on a shared-service basis.

The approach of my Department has been to utilise appropriate technologies to provide modern and efficient support for the Department's business needs and demands. That will continue to be the case as new technologies come into play.

My Department has already provided for remote desktop and email access for mobile staff using modern communications technology and software. It will continue to develop this in a secure way. It has also, more recently, engaged in public consultations using web technology, essentially making it easier for interested parties to contribute to the development of policy.

A key consideration in the application of any technology, existing or new, to a business process is security - data security, access security and device security - and this will continue to be the case. Analysing risk is a fundamental component of a comprehensive security implementation.

All new ICT projects require the sanction of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Applications for such sanction incorporate an assessment of risk.

Additionally my Department will liaise with the recently appointed Government Chief Information Officer in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, who is currently assessing what is required to build on progress in ensuring that ICT-enabled change is delivered across the Public Service.