Citizens' information held by the State can now be amended at the request of the parents or guardians of minors or the disabled. The change will also apply to the next-of-kin of deceased persons.
The Freedom of Information Act already provides for access to personal records to be sought by representatives of citizen's not capable of using the legislation themselves.
But the Minister for Finance, Mr McCreevy, today extended the provisions with immediate effect, allowing for personal information to be amended and a right to obtain reasons for decisions affecting those incapable of using the Act.
The Minister said: "These changes are particularly welcome and will ensure that all of the rights that the FOI Act confers will now be capable of being exercised on behalf of persons who are unable to exercise their rights directly.
