Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his considered response. He has clarified the point because there probably is a general presumption that a person has an automatic right to all personal information on him or herself. The Minister has reminded me of cases of people who were, to use the old phrase, committed against their will and there was probably information on the files that could do them further harm if they were to see it now about who committed them or who made a request, which could cause mayhem in certain situations. I can understand and I am grateful that the Minister reminded me of the fact that the right to one’s personal information is not absolute because it could have serious consequences. I will withdraw the amendment on the basis that the Minister when drafting the code of practice will try to tease this point out in more detail.

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