Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Feb 2001

Vol. 531 No. 1

Written Answers. - Internet Access.

Denis Naughten

Question:

70 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Public Enterprise 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; and when the policy was last circulated to staff. [5108/01]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

My Department has a clear and regularly updated policy on the use of e-mail and other Internet facilities. This sets out specific guidelines on the use of the Internet by staff, including on the kind of issues raised in the article to which the Deputy refers. Compliance with the policy is monitored and an abuse of Internet privileges is treated as a serious disciplinary issue. The policy was last updated and circulated to staff on 13 December 2000.