Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I appreciate the note of caution sounded by the Ceann Comhairle in respect of this matter. Have the Taoiseach and his officials considered the recommendations of the Information Commissioner in the context of their effect on FOI vis-À-vis his Department? Has an assessment been carried out in respect of the impact of the introduction or implementation of her recommendations regarding the operation of FOI within the Department? Does the Taoiseach, as head of his Department, have a view on her recommendations regarding fee structure changes, particularly her assertion that fees be refunded in the event of a successful appeal in respect of a decision made by any public body?

I do not believe all of these matters can be kicked to touch in the Department of Finance but I accept the Ceann Comhairle's point. In the case of the Department of the Taoiseach, surely some consideration — even if it only amounted to a scant examination of the potential effect of the introduction of these changes — has been given to this issue.

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