Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The Information Commissioner's annual report for 2008 showed an increase of 18% in freedom of information requests to all public bodies in 2007. Over the period from 2004, there was an 84% increase in freedom of information requests to the Taoiseach's Department. How would the Taoiseach characterise the increase in freedom of information requests for that extended period and, quite specifically, in the public bodies over the period up to 2008?

Does he share the view of the Information Commissioner that this is indicative of an increased hunger for information and that, of itself, it should queue an reappraisal of the bodies already under the terms of the legislation with a mind to extending it to ensure that there is full accountability in all public entities? For example, is the Taoiseach aware that major State institutions are still outside the scope of freedom of information, including the Central Bank and Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ireland, the National Treasury Management Agency, the National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission and the State Claims Agency? Has he plans to bring any of these bodies under the terms of freedom of information?

During the recent debate on the NAMA legislation, the Government voted down an amendment to ensure that NAMA came under the terms of the freedom of information legislation. That was bad judgment on the part of Government. Does the Taoiseach have any plans to overturn that decision and to make NAMA accountable under the terms of freedom of information?

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