Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

This question arose last year and the Information Commissioner highlighted it previously in a special report on the operation of the Act, which she published. I understand the Information Commissioner is more concerned about the cost of the appeal to her office than the original fee. That is the point Deputy Kenny is making. None of the changes made affected this. The cost of an appeal is approximately €150 and is similar to that in other jurisdictions. It does not seem unreasonable but it has been raised in the report of the commissioner. All these matters are examined carefully in the Department of Finance and by an interdepartmental team and this matter was also examined during the course of the year.

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