Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 28 Nov 2000

Vol. 526 No. 6

Written Answers. - Communications Technology.

Noel O'Flynn

Ceist:

352 Mr. O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will run a publicity campaign to encourage all computer users here to install and routinely use public key encryption software as well as virus protection software as necessary security devices; if he will have investigations made into the possibility of providing such software and virus check updates as a free, secure, download from the Government's website; and if he will run a publicity campaign to encourage computer owners to use encryption in view of reports that Irish e-mail traffic is routinely monitored by foreign intelligence agencies. [27264/00]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

The Deputy will be aware that new communications technology continues to provide opportunities and corresponding challenges for all sectors of society. Data security is one such challenge and indeed, the ongoing and planned publicity and awareness programmes of many private and public sector organisations such as IBEC, ISME, FÁS and the Departments of Public Enterprise and Enterprise, Trade and Employment emphasise the need for appropriate security measures in the area of e-mail use, including encryption and virus protection. These initiatives are not however, within the remit of my Department.

With regard to the possibility of providing software and virus check updates as a free, secure, download from the Government's website, this is not a matter which falls within my remit and I feel it would be inappropriate for me to comment further.