Madam, - We welcome the High Court decision that a separated father has a right of access to his daughter's medical files (The Irish Times, January 20th). This judgment, overturning a decision of the Information Commissioner, upholds the primacy of parents regarding the welfare of their children in accordance with Articles 41 and 42 of the Constitution.
We are aware of many separated fathers who have been denied access to vital information on the physical, social, educational, moral and general welfare of their children. The withholding of such vital information by statutory bodies and estranged spouses prevented these fathers from fulfilling their moral and constitutional obligations as parents and guardians of their children. In many cases, denying such information to fathers can damage their relationship with their children.
This landmark judgment should encourage more fathers to use the courts to vindicate their constitutional rights and obligations as parents, and the MCI would encourage them to do so. - Yours, etc.,
BRENDAN CLEARY, Secretary, Men's Council of Ireland, Wilkinstown, Co Meath.