COMMITTEE FOR FINANCE AND PERSONNEL

PRESS RELEASE

5 December 2007

F&P 11/07

ASSEMBLY FINANCE COMMITTEE MONITORS INFORMATION SECURITY REVIEW

The Department of Finance and Personnel briefed the Assembly Committee today on the latest developments on the Personal Data Security Review announced recently by the Minister, Mr. Peter Robinson.

The review will examine amongst other things, the effectiveness of existing data protection policies and procedures within the Northern Ireland Civil Service and other Public Bodies and evaluate the robustness of the data management systems that hold personal data.

Committee Chairperson, Mitchel McLaughlin explained:

‘The Committee examined the terms of reference for the forthcoming review, paying particular attention to the scope, methodology and reporting arrangements, to ensure that this can lead to an assurance from the department about the control and custodianship of personal data.

‘It shares the concerns of the public that personal information should be carefully protected and is eager to receive the outcome of the four week review, so that it can monitor the implementation of any recommended improvements to existing policies and processes.’

Ends

Notes for editors :

• The Committee for Finance and Personnel is one of 11 Statutory Committees of the Northern Ireland Assembly, which are set up to advise and assist each Northern Ireland Minister in the formulation of policy with respect to matters within his/her responsibilities as a Minister. Statutory Committees have powers as described in Strand One of the Belfast Agreement i.e. a scrutiny, policy development and consultation role with respect to the department with which each is associated, together with a role in the initiation of legislation.
• As per paragraph 9 of Strand One of the Belfast Agreement, Statutory Committees have the power to:
• consider and advise on departmental budgets and annual plans in the context of the overall budget allocation;
• approve relevant secondary legislation and take the Committee stage of relevant primary legislation;
• call for persons and papers;
• initiate inquiries and make reports; and
• consider and advise on matters brought to the Committee by its minister.
• Committee Members:

Mitchel McLaughlin (Chairperson) (Sinn Fein)
Mervyn Storey (Deputy Chairperson) (DUP)
Roy Beggs (UUP)
Dr Stephen Farry ( Alliance)
Simon Hamilton (DUP)
Fra McCann (Sinn Fein)
Jennifer McCann (Sinn Fein)
Adrian McQuillan (DUP)
Declan O’Loan (SDLP)
Dawn Purvis (PUP)
Peter Weir (DUP)

Media enquiries should be addressed to:

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e-mail: Kieran.Dougan@niassembly.gov.uk
website: archive.niassembly.gov.uk