Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I have an open mind on it. It is not something that I have given a great deal of thought to because we have that ruling from the Information Commissioner. It is not a decision point for me at this moment in time. It is an issue that we should consider in the context of the legislation. In his comments, the Deputy drew a distinction between elected officials and unelected officials. We have to consider whether that is an appropriate line to draw in terms of a distinction between people who were formerly elected. For example, we have to consider if we would include former judges in that. I take it that the Deputy would say "No" to that, but "Yes" to including politicians in that. We have to consider whether or not it is appropriate to have a system that is solely applicable to politicians rather than to other persons who served at senior levels across the Civil Service and public service. That does require some thought. We want a situation where we continue to attract people into politics and to apply for senior roles in the civil and public service. It requires some thought, but I am happy to give it thought and to engage on it as part of the review of the freedom of information legislation.