Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The ninth report of the Information Commissioner is her most recent. All of the issues relevant to my Department would have been examined by the relevant officials. There are 18 key decision makers at assistant principal level across the divisions of my Department. Outside of the directives issued by the Department of Finance, any of the commissioner's recommendations relating to processing, retrieval, etc., would be considered and taken into account. Cognisance is taken at all times of the recommendations of the Information Commissioner. That is done as a matter of course by the individuals in the Department who are involved in this process.

Deputy Kenny requested the most recent figures. During the past year a significant majority of requests — 62% — were submitted by journalists. Other interests account for 25%, while between 5% and 8% of applicants were Oireachtas Members.

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