Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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552. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to upgrade the IT system in his Department and bodies under his aegis with a view to maximising the protection against hackers. [28688/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Improved IT security measures have already been put in place within my Department. A complete security review of the infrastructure is being finalised and specialised software has been installed to mitigate against malicious software, and to provide early warning notifications of same. The system is fully monitored, providing for a rapid response to any notified incidents.

Going forward, my Department will, in conjunction with our security partner, the NCSC and OGCIO , continue to assess requirements against best practice and industry standards when upgrading the ICT infrastructures.

Details for other bodies under the aegis of my Department are operational matters for the bodies concerned and the Deputy should contact the relevant Director/CEO/Registrar directly.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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553. To ask the Minister for Health if additional security measures will be taken to impede and prevent the intrusion of hackers in his Department’s IT system and to ensure an early warning system is in place which will trigger an ultimate defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28706/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm that improved security measures have already been put in place within my Department's IT systems. A complete security review of the infrastructure is being finalised and specialised software has been installed to mitigate against malicious software, and to provide early warning notifications of same. The system is fully monitored, providing for a rapid response to any notified incidents.

My Department continues to liaise closely with the National Cyber Security Centre, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, our security partner and with colleagues across the Public Service to ensure that best practice is followed as it relates to all aspects of Cybersecurity.