Vol. 531 No. 1
77 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Defence if, in view of an article in a newspaper (details supplied) on 5 February 2001, he will state the steps he has taken to ensure that the use of his 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 he will make a statement on the matter. [5109/01]
My Department's use of e-mail and Internet facilities is regulated and protected on a technical basis via firewall software and virus protection programmes. The servers are regularly upgraded to current versions to ensure maximum handling capability. A comprehensive written policy on overall computer security measures was implemented throughout the Department four years ago and is available to all staff on the Department's Intranet.
Policies on e-mail and Internet usage are being revised at present to take account of developments in technology and the need to balance business and personal rights. These revised policies will be available to all staff shortly. I am satisfied that best practice has been adopted in my Department to ensure appropriate usage of the Internet and e-mail facilities.
