James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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201. To ask the Minister for Health the reason the only route for a patient seeking a copy of X-rays is to submit a freedom of information request; the reason there is not a less costly method to provide same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3630/19]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Generally, access to one's health records, including copies of x-rays, should be provided routinely and administratively, having regard to privacy, confidentiality and the public interest. An application may be made in writing to the appropriate service or agency providing enough information (date of birth, current and previous addresses, dates of contact with the specific services etc.) to help in locating records.

For patients of the public system, access to their medical records can be requested under the Freedom of Information Act. There is no application fee for such requests. However, there is a charge of €6 for an x-ray. They may apply in writing to the public body that holds the records. Such patients may also be entitled to their medical records under the Data Protection Acts (2003 and 2008), for which there is no charge.

People who visit their G.P. privately or attend a non-HSE funded or private hospital may access their records under the Data Protection Acts (2003 and 2008). No charge applies.