Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Insurance is in the interests of the customer - that is, the patient - and the doctor as well. Such required insurance is the norm in many European Union countries and we need to move towards that standard. I am pleased to note that the Bill also brings the EU directive regarding patients' rights into effect. Will the Minister give patients more information on how they can get some sort of redress or compensation if they believe they have been mistreated abroad? This is relevant given the considerable number of people who go abroad for treatment.

Every patient should be allowed to get his medical records online in a simple manner. It is technically correct and possible to do. Unfortunately, the HSE has not done this heretofore, but across the water in the United Kingdom the health services are planning to allow the public access to online records by 2015 - that is, next year. We should allow patients access to online medical records to empower them to make better and more informed decisions on their own health. The old cliché holds that information is power. That is exactly the case when it comes to health care and the patient. Previously, I have called for the HSE to be far more progressive in this area. In this day and age and with the Government insisting that the country is cutting-edge in terms of technology, it should be no problem for the Government to introduce measures to ensure that a patient can access all his medical records online.

It would allow patients to track their health and make educated decisions. According to a study conducted for the European Commission, only 4% of European hospitals grant patients online access to their medical records. Surely they should be available online here in order that people could make their own decisions. Why can the HSE not allow patients greater access to their medical records? What is it doing in this regard, considering the hundreds of millions of euro available in its budget? Under EU law, the right to access personal health data is guaranteed; however, patients often need to submit a formal request and procedures can be long and complicated, with the result that it can take time to access records. How can we reduce red tape? Information is power and having access to such information could allow people to make better decisions on their own health. Patients could educate themselves about their health and possible treatments and, with their doctors, decide on the way forward.

It is a pity that this is yet another example of HSE inaction in giving people the tools to make more informed decisions. The deterrent effect of the legislation will be great. The Bill states there will be no additional costs to the Exchequer, although the Medical Council of Ireland will incur costs of approximately €200,000. The cost will have to be borne by doctors. Can we get any guarantee that no additional costs will be passed on to patients?

The Bill is worthy of support and there will be no opposition to it. While there may be amendments to try to improve it, the Minister has the House behind him and I wish him well.