Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Thursday, 7 February 2013
Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform
Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2012: Discussion (Resumed) with National Newspapers of Ireland
10:30 am
Mr. Frank Cullen:
There was a change of spirit and practice. Today, even more than then, we live in an instant society when it comes to information. We want not just openness but accuracy in the information that is available. When dealing with the courts, which is done in the public interest, it is vital that accurate information is put into the public domain so anything that can facilitate accuracy of information is welcome. There must be a change of attitude about documents and access to documents. There must also be an understanding of the role of the press in delivering that information in the public interest.