Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 to 9, inclusive, together.

Following is the information requested by the Deputies on the statistics regarding freedom of information requests received in my Department. In my Department, the number of staff allocated to deal with freedom of information requests is one higher executive officer, who is the freedom of information liaison officer and is responsible for receiving and monitoring requests and co-ordination generally of requirements under the Act as they relate to this Department; 18 key decision makers across divisions, mainly at assistant principal level, who are responsible for general examination and primary decision making; and two assistant secretaries and two principal officers who are responsible for the internal review process. All freedom of information applications to my Department are processed by statutorily designated officials in accordance with the 1997 and 2003 Acts and, in accordance with those statutes, I have no role in the processing of individual applications.

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