Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)

In my responsibility as Minister of State at the Department of Finance, I extend the applications of the Freedom of Information Act annually, including to new agencies, authorities or whatever. Deputy Costello referred to putting the cart before the horse, but that does not apply in this instance. The Government is committed to extending the Freedom of Information Act to the RSA as soon as it is established. Confidentiality is a significant issue, as are sensitivities in respect of freedom of information and, in particular, the ownership of land. Regarding the provisions to which the Deputy referred, they are intended to protect confidentiality in the above areas.

See this speech in context