Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Will the representatives comment on how the Department's work plan has been affected given the lack of a substantial increase in funding that was secured by the Minister? How has the overall work plan been impacted by that? The capital funding is minus €30 million this year. Perhaps the witnesses could brief us on that.

I do not know if the Department officials can comment on the freedom of information section of the Department but I had a number of difficulties in obtaining information from the Department under a freedom of information, FOI, request. On one occasion it turned out that it was an important document filed under the wrong year. There were difficulties and delays in locating it. Another FOI request that I submitted was quite narrow in focus and not overly onerous. There was, however, a cost attached of more than €300. If the witnesses are in a position to comment, on what basis would the Department apply such costs? This FOI request in particular was quite narrow and I could not believe it when it came back. What is the position taken on that?

With regard to the data around FOI requests, how long they take and the charges attached, has the Department had any complaints about FOI requests?