Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I was about to make the point that the Minister for Finance is responsible for its implementation, review and extension. When freedom of information legislation was first introduced, it applied to 67 bodies or agencies. The largest extension took place in 2006 when I was Minister for Finance and I extended it to a further 137 bodies, giving a total of 502 regarding the number of bodies to which freedom of information applies. It has increased from 67 to 502 bodies in ten years. While the Information Commissioner speaks of it being out of line with 70 other countries, my recollection of the Bill being brought before the House by a previous Administration was that it was quite progressive in terms of the method by which information can be sought. My recollection is that it is far less restrictive than is the case across the water. I cannot discuss that in detail today but I can give my impression.

There has been a broadening of the bodies to which this legislation applies and whether and how it should be extended beyond the current number is a matter for ongoing consideration by the Minister for Finance. There is nothing axiomatic about the figure of 502 at present. It may well be extended in the future. The report to which the Deputy refers was issued recently and may obtain consideration within the Department and by the Minister in due course.

I do not agree that the 2003 changes greatly restricted freedom of information. It is quite the contrary; there are far more bodies to which it applies. The idea was to bring balance to the situation and ensure that we have appropriate use of the Act. Personal information is available in all situations for people to whom the Act applies. It is important that this is done in a timely manner, that there is an internal review situation and that appeals can be made. I am not aware of the specifics to which the Leader of the Opposition refers. In the main, the Act, as applied by various officers in charge of its implementation, is applied at arms length from the heads of the organisations concerned and works quite well.

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