Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 147: To ask the Minister for Health the discussions he has held with the Data Protection Commissioner regarding insurance companies accessing the files of patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29457/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I can confirm that my Department has not had discussions with the Data Protection Commissioner regarding insurance companies accessing the files of patients. Health insurers, in common with all other organisations and persons in the public and private sectors who collect, use, have access to or disclose personal data (which includes any medical information relating to living identifiable individuals) are obliged to comply fully with the Data Protection Acts.