Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

The normal procedure is to introduce a Supplementary Estimate later in the year to deal with the first matter. The Deputy is correct that approximately €350 million will be repaid this year. We allocated €400 million in the budget for this purpose and the intention is to pay the remainder next year. A company has been identified to handle the administration of this and a contract has been entered into with the HSE.

On the second matter, there are clear lines of responsibility regarding who is responsible for enforcing freedom of information legislation and it is not Ministers. Under the Act, each Department or agency affected is required to have a designated officer and they are obliged to adhere to the law. There is no discretion on that matter.

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