Both the Ombudsman and the Ombudsman for Children raised issues about the consistency of application of the in camera rule by the HSE in releasing information to them for the performance of their functions and the general operation of the rule. The Ombudsman has stated that the in camera rule is complex and wide-ranging and that some modification would be helpful. The Ombudsman for Children has called for the rule to be flexible enough to allow reasonable access to information, where such access would serve the public interest, while ensuring that adequate safeguards are in place to respect the rights of children and the privacy of the parties. She has also called for legislation to clarify the law with regard to the sharing of information in the best interests of the child.

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