30Restricted application of the Epidemiological Studies (Confidentiality) Act 1981

30 Restricted application of the Epidemiological Studies (Confidentiality) Act 1981

(1) The Epidemiological Studies (Confidentiality) Act 1981 (in this section called the Confidentiality Act) does not apply to anything done in the exercise of a power or performance of a function under this Act. (2) Notwithstanding the Confidentiality Act, a person who has assisted, or is assisting in, the conduct of a prescribed study or an epidemiological study may, at the written request of the Institute: (a) communicate to the Institute any information acquired by the person because of having assisted, or assisting, in the conduct of that study; and (b) give the Institute access to documents prepared or obtained in the conduct of that study. (3) It is a defence to a prosecution under the Confidentiality Act if it is established that the information was communicated or access to a document was given, as the case may be, in accordance with a written request by the Institute. (4) In this section: (a) epidemiological study has the same meaning as in the Confidentiality Act; and (b) prescribed study has the same meaning as in the Confidentiality Act.