Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
446. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department has any usage policy on or if it sanctions for official purposes the use of messaging apps (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37200/26]
View answerI can confirm that my Department has a usage policy in relation to mobile messaging services which is addressed in the Department's iDevice policy. This policy is applicable to all Apple devices such as iPads or iPhones running the iOS operating system which have been acquired and issued to Ministers or officials and which are managed by the ICT Unit within my Department.
A number of related controls are in place in relation to mobile phone security, in line with advice from the National Cyber Security Centre, including the encryption of data on devices and the use of Mobile Device Management software to manage device compliance.
The iDevice notes that calls and texts sent via GSM networks are insecure and while the policy does not provide specific guidance in relation to the two messaging platforms noted, the policy notes that for sensitive communications, users should consider using an end to-end encrypted app for phone calls and messaging rather than GSM networks.
