Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The point I am making is not about tourists, who are entitled to access whatever health service they need. However, unless the IHI system is operating on an international basis, their health history will not be accessible on our database. I presume the information we are talking about here in regard to health histories is part of what is retained and is accessible. If I present at a hospital emergency department, for example, will staff be able to access information regarding my personal health issues, allergies, current medications and so on? I understood that was the key information and is separate from the first line of information to which the Minister referred and which I understand does not refer to the clinical aspect. Surely the type of information I am talking about is at a further remove and can only be accessed by those with the relevant codes and approvals?

If I have got the wrong end of the stick here, I hope the Minister will help me out. We will not realise the full value of this system unless there is the widest possible range of data. I accept the point about people moving and personal details, but that is a risk factor with nearly every type of information that is disseminated today, either by Government agencies or the private sector in respect of PINs and so on. What other way is there to do it? I genuinely wish the project well because it is a good idea, and I am happy to have clarification from the Minister if I have formed the wrong idea of what he is about here. However, in so far as my understanding of the purpose and intent of the Bill is correct, I want to see this initiative being as successful as possible, in which case I am arguing that "may" should become "shall".