4301. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he uses an app (details supplied) for Government business; if the automatic deletion of messages function is operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58703/26]

4302. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the details of the messaging providers downloaded on his Ministerial phone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58721/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 4301 and 4302 together.

I can confirm that WhatsApp and iMessaging are the only messaging apps on my phone and I can also confirm that automatic deletion of messages function on Whatsapp is not enabled.

My Department’s information and communication technology (ICT) services, including mobile phone services, are provided on a shared service basis by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO). The use of all mobile devices and applications on devices must comply with my Department’s ICT Acceptable Usage Policy and OGCIO ensure necessary security is in place and up to date for all such devices. It is specifically noted in the ICT Acceptable Usage Policy that it applies to instant messaging applications.

As part of this policy, my Department adheres to the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform, and Digitalisation's Circular 09/2019 "Policy on the Use of Private Email and Other Private Messaging Services". Circular 09/2019 states that the use of private email accounts or other private messaging services to conduct official government business should be avoided, other than in exceptional circumstances, such as an extended loss of ICT services. It also states that in such circumstances correspondence relating to official government business should be forwarded to the organisation account.