Vol. 571 No. 1
1063 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Transport the steps which have been taken by him to ensure that a professional system has been put in place for the retention of electronic records, within the section of the public service for which his Department has direct and indirect responsibility, having regard to the requirements of the freedom of information and National Archives legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20521/03]
There are two main categories of electronic records held within my Department. The first is electronically created documents such as letters, memoranda, emails etc. The policy of my Department is that these are printed down and placed on the appropriate paper file. I have asked my Department to examine moving to a permanent electronic record system and to advise me of the feasibility of same and report back to me.
The second category relates to routine financial and housekeeping records held in high capacity financial, salary, personnel, customer and licensing database management systems. Disposal of such records, when it becomes necessary, will be done in full compliance with the requirements of freedom of information, national archives and other applicable legislation.
The retention of records in the agencies which are under the aegis of my Department is a day to day matter for those agencies themselves.
1064 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the reason completed Luas tracks are being left open to traffic; and his views on whether this will lead to road works being required to repair damage to the tarmac or asphalt. [20531/03]
I wish to advise the Deputy that this operational issue is a matter for the agency involved the Railway Procurement Agency. However, I asked the RPA to consider the Deputy's concerns and to respond directly to him on this issue.
