Information and Communications Technology

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 May 2023

Tuesday, 9 May 2023

Ceisteanna (207)

Ciarán Cannon

Ceist:

207. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Finance if officials from his Department are using an application (details supplied) to conduct business; if his Department has had official meetings regarding 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 is considering using 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. [21091/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

For operational and security reasons, we have previously been advised by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) not to disclose details of systems and processes which could in any way compromise departmental security. In particular, it is not considered appropriate to disclose information which might assist criminals to identify potential vulnerabilities in departmental cybersecurity arrangements. My Department does not comment on operational security matters.

However, I can advise that all employees of the Department of Finance, whether permanent, temporary, or seconded to the Department have a duty to ensure compliance with the Data Protection Acts and the GDPR and must follow the provisions of the Department’s Data Protection Policy. All staff have a responsibility to ensure that personal data they access, manage and control as part of their duties is carried out in accordance with the Data Protection Acts. Information on data protection is also captured in the Department’s Staff Information Booklet, given to all new entrants into the Department. Data Protection information is further covered as part of the induction training for new staff. Furthermore, all applications must be used in line with advice provided by the NCSC.

Question No. 208 answered with Question No. 68.