asked the Minister for Health if he will outline his policy in relation to the rights of citizens to copies of post mortem results, results of medical examinations, and the data relating to medical conditions generally in their own individual cases or in the cases of immediate relatives where the issue is one of a post mortem result; whether or not there are any guidelines of an informal or formal nature in operation in this respect; and his views in this general regard.
Written Answers. - Post Mortem Results.
141.
The overriding consideration in relation to the provision of information of the type referred to by the Deputy is that the confidentiality of patients medical records must be preserved. As a general rule hospital authorities will make relevant medical records available to the appropriate person concerned. However, if the Deputy is aware of particular problems in this area, perhaps he would bring them to my attention and I will have them investigated.