Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Department of the Taoiseach must, like any other Department, be subject to various inspections, including those investigations by the Health and Safety Authority, if necessary. Why did the Information Commissioner report that a member of the public had had to let her know that the scope of the Freedom of Information Act 1997 had been changed? Why is the Taoiseach's Department excluded from any inspection or investigation by the Health and Safety Authority that might be warranted? I understand that the Information Commissioner is to highlight that all new legislation apparently includes growing numbers of non-disclosure provisions that will affect the Department of the Taoiseach among others. That is neither transparent, progressive nor in keeping with the stated Government aim of being open and accountable in all its affairs. Regarding those three elements of change——

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