Ritchie orders data protection review

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA today ordered a review of all record management systems within her domain.

Although no Northern Ireland Minister has responsibility for HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), Margaret Ritchie is deeply concerned about the loss of millions of personal and bank details on computer discs.

The Minister said: “I am deeply concerned about the loss of these computer discs and for the hundreds of thousands of people in Northern Ireland who have been affected. The public are entitled to expect that their personal details are secured in a watertight fashion.

“While this is a matter for HMRC, I want to do all in my power to ensure that an incident like this does not happen in my Department. Be it in the Social Security Agency, Child Support Agency or Housing Executive, my Department is responsible for hundreds of thousands of personal details. I have therefore asked my officials to carry out an extensive review and audit of their data protection procedures and record management systems to give our customers re-assurance that the security of their information is maintained at all times.”

Notes to Editors:

1. For further information, please contact Philip Maguire Principal Information Officer DSD on 02890 829490 mobile 07788 108657. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.