Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I confirm I am in Leinster House. I welcome the Minister and thank him for his ongoing engagement on this important matter. I will touch on the importance of access to records and vital information for the many people affected by the mother and baby institutional issues. In his opening statement, the Minister said he understands the concerns being raised that the general scheme may seek to seal agency records. Will the Minister outline how he intends to safeguard access to personal information and the regime that will apply to records of the agency versus the laws or regulations that apply to the commission of investigation, which caused huge difficulty for many survivor groups?

What restrictions does the Minister intend to apply in certain circumstances within the agency? I know of some survivors who are still having significant difficulties accessing information and who are experiencing huge delays in getting things like medical records from various historic health boards and information from county homes and local authorities. We must ensure that this is managed correctly and effectively within the legislation.