Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 May 2018
394. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health his views on the refusal of a hospital to release personal medical documentation to a person (details supplied) under a freedom of information request made on 3 April 2018; his further views on the most adequate avenue through which the requester can seek satisfaction in respect of this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22367/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraGenerally, access to one's medical records should be provided routinely and administratively, having regard to privacy, confidentiality and the public interest.
However, access to one's medical records may also be made under the Freedom of Information Act 2014. FOI bodies have 20 working days to process such requests.
In circumstances where records are refused, the Freedom of Information body concerned must specify the reasons for the refusal.
Where records are refused, the Freedom of Information Legislation provides for the right of appeal by requesters. This involves the requester applying, to the FOI body concerned, for an internal review of the decision. An internal review decision should issue within 15 working days of its' receipt.
If, following the internal review decision, the requester is not satisfied, they may appeal to the Office of the Information Commissioner. This appeal should be made, in writing, to the Office of the Information Commissioner at 18 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2.
