Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Formerly, as Minister for Finance, I presided over the biggest expansion of the Freedom of Information Act since the inception of the legislation in 1988. My record in this area speaks for itself, but that does not mean I agree with every view of others who have a responsibility in this area. They are entitled to bring their views to the attention of the Minister of the day. It is then a matter for the Minister and the Government as to whether or not they will use their legislative powers to extend the application of the Act. When one can accept the vast majority of recommendations, one proceeds thus. However, there may be other recommendations which are not considered to be appropriate or relevant, so one does not proceed with them. The fact that there is disagreement between various people does not mean that anyone is more or less committed to freedom of information. There are differing views as to how the public interest can best be served in respect of how the Freedom of Information Act would apply.

However, the freedom of information legislation is not the only source of public accountability. There are Government mechanisms within organisations, including the responsibility for board members to hold executives to account. This House is responsible for holding agencies and others to account. Where things go wrong, they must be fixed. However, the idea that there was some perfect model of accountability in place that would have prevented things from going wrong in the first place is not a realistic assessment of what happens. There are failures, but one does not condone or accept them as being inevitable. When they happen, it is important to get them fixed and ensure they do not recur. Through that process of learning and experience one also ensures that public accountability is exercised.

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