Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I do not expect the Taoiseach follows the guidelines of the British Government in every matter but I note Jack Straw, the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, recently accepted the case for a substantial cut, from 30 years to 15 years, in the release time for archival government papers. Similar adjustments have been made in other countries such as South Africa, the Netherlands and France. In Ireland, the time limit remains at 30 years. Does the Taoiseach have any view as to whether it should be reduced?

A UK report into the time limit stated the UK's freedom of information legislation effectively scuppered the 30-year archive rule. As the Taoiseach will be aware, the Freedom of Information Act 2003 ensures Cabinet minutes must be released no later than ten years after their adoption which is less than the 30-year limit. Does the Taoiseach believe the 30-year limit should be reduced substantially? Does he accept the Freedom of Information Act, if applied broadly and appropriately, effectively scuppers the 30-year rule in any event?

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