Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 December 2009
113 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Finance if all loan files at Anglo Irish Bank are computerised; if not, the percentage of files that are in hard copy only; the way in which these files are protected; when these protection measures were put in place; if he is satisfied that all files are secure, that some have been destroyed since the nationalisation of Anglo Irish bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47480/09]
View answerAnglo Irish Bank is run on an arms length commercial basis by the Board, and consequently data management and the security arrangements for such material is a matter for the Board. Anglo, similar to other banks, maintains files in both physical (hard copy) and electronic (soft copy) format. I am advised that all customer transactions as well as customer static data are held electronically on the bank's core banking systems. Hard copy files are maintained and filed within the bank's premises with security and physical access controls in place. Both hard and soft copy files are maintained and stored in compliance with the bank's security and data protection policies and procedures and the bank's data retention and destruction policy applies to any destruction of files.
I am informed by Anglo that no issue with the destruction of files at the bank has been identified either before or since nationalisation. I am also advised by Anglo that any breach of the bank's data retention and destruction policy would be dealt with by the bank's senior management, with dismissal being the ultimate sanction, along with any legal issues which could arise for any individuals concerned.
