Review underway into storage of personal data

Minister for Finance Brian Cowen has told the Dáil that a comprehensive review on the storage of personal data across all government departments has been underway since last month.

Mr Cowen was reacting to questions about the measures being taken in Ireland to ensure the safety of sensitive data in light of this week's scandal in the UK.

The British Revenue and Customs Service has admitted losing two CDs containing the personal and financial details of 25 million child benefit recipients.

Mr Cowen says he hopes to have a report on the situation in Ireland early in the new year.