Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

We discussed a similar issue earlier. Amendment No. 55 seeks to amend the definition of "early life information" from what it currently is, "information on any medical treatments, procedures or vaccinations administered to him or her", to read "medical information, including information on any medical treatments, procedures or vaccinations administered to him or her". I cannot support this amendment. Examples that are provided for under this subsection of the definition of "early life information" are clearly medically related but they are not restricted solely to that information. In addition, medical information is covered as an entirely separate category of information available for release. The categories of information were purposely drafted to be as broad and as encompassing as possible, with overlap in several places, including medical information. I cannot accept this amendment as to do so could restrict the examples of information that may be made available under this definition.

Amendments Nos. 62 and 63 would replace "may" with "shall" in relation to the provision for release of a statement setting out the medical information. The statement released alongside the medical records is a flexible provision to allow the authority to accompany records with as much or as little additional information as is required to contextualise the information given. I do not believe this amendment is necessary.

Amendment No. 64 would delete the phrase "to which the application relates only" and insert "without delay". I cannot accept this amendment. It is similar to some that were introduced in the Dáil, which also sought to compel bodies to release records that the applicants did not ask for. My response is the same as it was then. I believe it is appropriate for people to have full agency in what they apply for and receive. This legislation seeks to empower relevant persons to have control over what information they choose to access and as such I would not support this amendment as I think it would undermine that process. If a person wishes to seek all the information that is available, it will be as simple as ticking a box on the application form.