Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Office of the Information Commissioner received 10,704 requests in 2007, a decrease of 42%, or 7,739, on 2003. The reason given was the introduction of fees. The Information Commissioner has requested on a number of occasions that the scale and structure of fees be reviewed. The reason for this is obvious. The commissioner makes that point that among eight comparable jurisdictions Ireland is one of only two that charges for freedom of information appeals. For example, Ontario charges €16 in comparison with Ireland which charges €150 in this regard.

The Taoiseach, when Minister for Finance, dismissed a claim by the Information Commissioner, Ms O'Reilly, for a reduction in fees for freedom of information requests and appeals which led in her opinion to a culture of secrecy. Is the Taoiseach, in his new capacity, prepared to reconsider the Ombudsman's recommendations and suggestions in so far as they apply to his Department and others? Also, does he consider that when an appeal is lodged and justified the fee charged by the State should be waived?

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