Stormont ministers examine data security
Thursday, November 22, 2007
The Stormont Executive will discuss the state of Northern Ireland's data security today in the wake of the Government's bank details blunder.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown was forced to apologise yesterday for the fiasco, which saw details of about 25 million people across the UK go missing on two posted computer discs.
Every family that receives child benefit is reportedly affected.
There are fears that if the discs fall into the wrong hands, their bank accounts would be vulnerable.
The missing records include parents' and children's names, addresses, dates of birth, child benefit and national insurance numbers and, in some cases, bank and building society details.
The loss happened three weeks ago, but details only became public on Tuesday, when Paul Gray, the chair of Revenue and Customs, resigned.
At today's lunchtime executive meeting, Mr Robinson will brief other Ministers on the review he ordered yesterday.
"The loss of citizens' personal information by HMRC has underlined the need for strong systems of protection and control," he said.
"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 Northern Ireland departments in order to provide reassurance to the public that their personal information is being protected."
Mr Robinson has already joined with the banks in urging all Northern Ireland recipients of child benefit payments to be vigilant and to monitor bank statements in case criminals have tried to hack into their accounts.
The Information Commissioner's Office in Northern Ireland was inundated with calls about the breach.
During Prime Minister's questions yesterday, Tory leader David Cameron said the bungle proved there were "systematic failures" and problems with the security, privacy and culture in handling sensitive data.
He called on the Prime Minister to be a "big man", adding people would find it "truly bizarre" if the government ploughs ahead with the controversial plans for a national identity scheme after losing 25 million personal files.
"What people want from their Prime Minister on a day like this is for him to stand up, show some broad shoulders and be a big man," Mr Cameron said.
"The Prime Minister was in charge of this department for 10 years. By definition that must have been when the systemic failure was developed."
Latest figures show there were 237,700 families in Northern Ireland claiming benefits for 446,000 children under the age of 16.
Mr Brown attempted to reassure families that bank accounts were being checked and there was no evidence of fraud. He has ordered a review of procedures in all government departments.
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