Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Feb 2001

Vol. 531 No. 1

Written Answers. - Internet Access.

Denis Naughten

Question:

130 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if, in view of an article in a newspaper (details supplied) on 5 February 2001, she will state the steps she has taken to ensure that the use of her Department's e-mail and internet facilities are properly regulated; if a policy on the use of these facilities exists; when the policy was last updated; when the policy was last circulated to staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5115/01]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

Internet access and e-mail is available to staff of my Department. Access to the world wide web is restricted by monitoring software to business use only. My Department has recently issued a statement of policy on the use of internet and e-mail by staff. Each member of staff is required to acknowledge in writing that they have read and understood the Department's policy in relation to the use of e-mail and the internet, as and when the e-mail and Internet facilities are made available to them. Adherence to this policy is monitored by the IT Unit of my Department.