Abuse victims access to data will be restricted, says group

ABUSE victims will be unable to obtain vital records and files as a result of Government plans to restrict the terms of the Freedom of Information Act, it was warned yesterday.

The disclosure prompted an Oireachtas committee to call for significant amendments to the proposed legislation.

Colm O’Gorman, director of the One In Four support group, told an Oireachtas committee that changes to the definition of personal information would result in victims being unable to access records that could validate their traumatic childhood experiences.

“The passing of this amendment will further silence and suppress the already isolated voices of children and adults who have been sexually abused,” Mr O’Gorman said.

“In a modern and progressive society that purports to care for its most vulnerable citizens, this cannot be allowed to happen.” The Government had said that planned changes to the Act were only related to improving governance and would not affect an individuals’ right to information.

But this was rejected by the Irish Council of Civil Liberties which said it was misleading to suggest proposed Government amendments would not change the rights of ordinary citizens.

The ICCL’s research and parliamentary officer, Liam Herrick, pointed out that a review of the amendments by the Information Commissioner backed up this position. “The changes will have a material effect on an individual’s right to get personal information. The current definition of personal information is material relating to an individual, but this will change so records will only be released if they contain personal information,” Mr Herrick said.

Illustrating how the amendment would affect a wide category of abuse victims, Mr O’Gorman gave the

example of a woman abused as a child by a healthcare professional.

“Under the current legislation she might well be able to get access to health board files that will validate her memories and experiences.

“Then with appropriate support she can move through this experience and work towards recovery,” he said.

“If the amendment is adopted this woman will not be allowed access such files as they will not name her directly, but they may clearly contain information relevant to her.

“We believe this woman has a right to such information and that it is such cases that powerfully demonstrate why a robust freedom of information process is essential,” Mr O’Gorman said.

Fianna Fáil TD Sean Fleming, chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on Finance and the Public Service, indicated significant amendments to the current legislation were needed.

A resource centre for more than 3,500 community groups, The Wheel, also told the committee plans to impose fees for all non-personal requests for information would undermine its services.