Vol. 491 No. 6
175 Mr. D. Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children if his Department has examined the application of the measures contained in the Freedom of Information Act, 1997, as they affect people with disabilities; and the relevant legislation on which health practitioners and patients can rely in this regard. [12757/98]
The Minister for Finance is responsible for the wider application of the Freedom of Information Act, 1997. The Act applies equally to all members of the public, including those with a disability.
Section 6 (2) requires the provision of reasonable assistance to persons with a disability to facilitate the exercise of their rights under the Act and section 28 addresses the question of records of a medical, psychiatric or social work nature. On the application of these sections, officials in my Department are engaged in discussions at an interdepartmental working group chaired by the Department of Finance. My Department will of course comply with any arrangements agreed at this forum or set down by regulation under the Act.
