Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

In response to Deputy Enright's query, the necessary regulations must be made by the Minister for Finance under the Freedom of Information Act, not by the Minister for Education and Science. The Minister for Finance is agreeable to make the necessary arrangements to ensure that the education finance board is subject to the Freedom of Information Act.

Other Deputies raised the issue of the clarity with which the Ombudsman was involved in appeals from the education finance board. Deputy O'Sullivan sought an absolute assurance on this and I am happy to provide her with it. I hope that also satisfies the other Deputies who contributed.

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