Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

They come into effect when the Minister signs the regulations subsequent to the approval of the Oireachtas. I will clarify that if it is not correct. The general rule is that an officer in the agency or Department is appointed by the Secretary General or CEO as the freedom of information officer. I do not know if additional resources are required for every entity but it is the responsibility of the management in these organisations to appoint an officer who will be responsible for freedom of information matters.

The Government has not extended freedom of information to the Garda Síochána and I do not know if there are plans to do so. It is difficult to separate security issues from operational issues in the Garda Síochána but the matter will be discussed in due course.

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