Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I will speak to amendments Nos. 148 to 154, inclusive, collectively. The first issue is around the discussion on the release of records as opposed to information. I seek to reassure Deputies now, as I have on a number of similar amendments previously, that we are not just releasing information; we are releasing copies of the records. This is provided for in relation to birth information, care information and medical information. It will not just be a summary of what is on the records available but copies of those records. I do not believe the sections of these amendments seeking to insert the word "records" is necessary, as that issue is already provided for. Copies of records will be provided and that is already provided for throughout the legislation.

Amendment No. 154 proposes the provision of a schedule. Again, I argue that this is covered by section 11(2)(b), which sets out a statement outlining the records and categories of information to be released and which will be issued. As I understand it, this is the same as the intention of amendment No. 154. I believe, therefore, that this point is already covered in the legislation. On that basis, I do not believe these amendments are necessary and I cannot accept them.