Information and Communications Technology

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 May 2023

Tuesday, 9 May 2023

Questions (137)

Ciarán Cannon

Question:

137. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if officials from his Department are using an application (details supplied) to conduct business; if his Department has had official meetings on the use of the application by officials; if his Department has assessed the risk of using the application by Department officials and the input of Government-related data into the application; if his Department is using or considering the use of other forms of artificial intelligence; if his Department is considering banning the use of the application by Department officials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21101/23]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

My Department requires all applications to be used in line with Departmental policies and procedures, including compliance with GDPR. My Department has restricted access to the application referred to in the Question pending a risk assessment of its use and therefore does not use the application to conduct its business. My Department continues to work closely with experts in the National Cyber Security Centre to ensure that we follow best practice and advice on all aspects of cyber security.