Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Does the Taoiseach agree that more must be done to inform citizens of their right of access to information from his and other Departments? For example, the Information Commissioner confirmed recently that next of kin had a right of access to the medical records of their deceased loved ones. Does the Taoiseach agree this constitutes an essential right for there to be a degree of public confidence in the health service?

In her report earlier this year the Information Commissioner also stated every public body should draw up and implement a comprehensive records management policy and urged that this should be seen as a priority. She also stated there should be consistency in searches for records by public bodies and that a checklist should be used for this purpose. In respect of the Taoiseach's Department, her report stated decision letters, when issuing, should always set out the requestor's right of review and appeal and include detailed information relating to the nature and locations of the searches carried out. Will the Taoiseach inform Members whether the Information Commissioner's recommendations made earlier this year have been implemented in his Department and whether there has been similar application in other Departments?

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