Robinson announces immediate review of civil service data protection measures

The Finance Minister, Rt Hon Peter Robinson MP, MLA, has ordered an immediate review of data protection systems in the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS).

The move comes in the wake of yesterday’s admission by the Chancellor that data containing the personal information of millions of people across the UK who are in receipt of child benefit allowances has been lost by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

Mr Robinson pointed out that the protection of personal information relating to the citizen has already been the focus of a recent review of operations last summer. This latest review will assess the effectiveness of measures already in place. He said:

“The loss of citizens' personal information by HMRC has underlined the need for strong systems of protection and control.

“The need for vigilance within our Civil Service was reinforced last August through internal guidance issued to all Departments regarding the potential for the possible compromise of personal information.

“Given the gravity of yesterday's events and the need to reassure the public and indeed our own staff that proper systems of information management and control are in place and functioning properly, I have instigated an immediate four-week review.

“The review will examine in close detail the effectiveness of personal data security systems across the Northern Ireland Departments in order to provide reassurance to the public that their personal information is being protected properly.”

Notes to Editors:

The review will be led by the Chief Information Officer for the NICS, Bill McCluggage.

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