Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I was going to suggest that there could be an increase in the number of requests for information from the Department of the Taoiseach. There were 142 requests in 2003, 45 in 2004 and 61 in 2005. It appears the decline will continue in 2006, probably due to the nature of the charge and the restrictions introduced by the Minister for Finance. Will the Taoiseach comment on this matter?

Is it a general principle for new agencies set up by the Government to automatically be covered by the freedom of information legislation, such as a new agency under the Taoiseach's Department?

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