Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Feb 2001

Vol. 531 No. 1

Written Answers. - Internet Access.

Denis Naughten

Question:

79 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development 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. [5110/01]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

The Department issued two policy documents to staff on 6 December 2000: "Security Policy for Internet/Intranet Usage" and "Security Policy for E-mail Usage". These documents outline the Department's policy with regard to the use of the e-mail and the Internet and set down guidelines for their acceptable use. Each includes an "Acknowledgement of Understanding" to be signed by the individual staff member. The signed acknowledgement forms are returned to the Department's IT security unit.