Mary Henry (Independent)

I understand what the Minister of State is saying. It can be very difficult and awkward, especially if somebody else within the family might be affected by the information being given. I take Senator Mansergh's point that it is far simpler for the person giving the information to have a word such as "contain" used but it also takes away the discretion if one can see that there is something which could be very useful perhaps to the person seeking the information. That no longer applies under the Bill. Although one might see that the best interests of the person seeking information would be best served by giving him or her the information, one would not be in a position to do so. I do not believe it is a matter of trying to batten down the hatches or draw a fresh veil of secrecy over information. The intention is as the Minister of State said but I question the wisdom. Is it not taking away discretion from the person giving the information, although it may be simpler for them? It is perhaps depriving a person seeking information of something which could be extremely useful to him or her.