I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 to 120, inclusive, together.
All records and data, electronic and paper based, held in my Department are maintained in compliance with the provisions of the Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003, the Freedom of Information Acts 1997 and 2003 and the National Archives Act 1986 and in compliance with the records management guidelines set out by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
My Department operates a central registry record-keeping system comprising a Registry File Tracking System and a central repository for the storage of Departmental records. The location of files created in the Department are known, to the time when they are transferred to the National Archives for permanent preservation.
As part of an ongoing programme of in-house training, a workshop on the creation and maintenance of records was recently provided for staff by relevant officials from the Department and the National Archives Office. Similar training is being provided in relation to obligations under Freedom of Information legislation and on the Department's IT systems.
A Chief Information Officer (CIO) was recently appointed at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to give guidance and leadership in the development of an ICT strategy across the Civil Service and the wider public service. My Department will actively engage with the CIO in this work.