asked the Minister for Health arising from his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 141 of 6 June 1985 if he will elaborate further on whether there are any specific guidelines of an informal or formal nature in existence with regard to the right by interested parties to access to post-mortem results, results of medical examinations and data relating to the medical conditions generally in their own case or in the cases of the immediate relatives where the issue is one of a post-mortem result; if he will make a statement on whether there are any standards set down for guidance for hospital authorities in this respect; if so, if he will supply a copy of such guidelines; and, if not, whether he considers this omission to be one which should be rectified.
Written Answers. - Availability of Medical Records.
16.
There are no specific guidelines of the kind referred to by the Deputy. It would be difficult to lay down specific guidelines relating to the making available of medical records as circumstances surrounding individual cases can vary. Hospital authorities, as a general rule, will make relevant medical records available to the appropriate person concerned.
I am satisfied that the arrangements for providing information of the type referred to in the Deputy's question are adequate. However, as I have previously indicated to the Deputy, if he is aware of particular problems in this area, he should bring them to my attention and I will have them investigated.