Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 243: To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the progress being made by him on establishing individual health identifiers for patients [17053/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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My Department is currently examining policy options for the roll out of individual health identifiers. It is intended that the Health Information Bill, which is expected to be ready for publication later this year, will provide the necessary legal basis for the use of an individual health identifier. The introduction of individual health identifiers is an essential step in the improvement of patient safety, patient data confidentiality and efficient service provision. It will also be necessary for the roll out of Universal Health Insurance. My Department is currently consulting with the Data Protection Commissioner, the Health Information and Quality Authority, other Government Departments, including the Department of Social Protection, in its consideration of this issue. I intend bringing forward detailed policy proposals in the coming months in relation to these matters.