Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The policy in respect of freedom of information legislation is decided initially by Government and then subsequently by the Oireachtas. While one takes into account what might be stated in the annual reports of the Ombudsman or the Information Commissioner to the Minister for Finance - who deals with these matters - ultimately it is the responsibility for the Government and the Oireachtas to make decisions on these issues.

As the Deputy will be aware, there have been many major extensions to the Act - and various bodies - since it was first placed on the Statute Book. That has been a good development because it has been possible, as a result of experience gained, to broaden the remit of the legislation and prepare Departments and agencies which come within its remit for the statutory duties imposed upon them. I am of the view that the current system works satisfactorily. Compliance is achieved by means of the work done by the various statutorily designated officers whose task it is to compile the necessary information on foot of requests received under the legislation.

I would surmise that the official from the Department of Finance to whom Deputy Kenny referred was highlighting the need to provide as much information as possible - through websites, policy documents and the review documents that emanate from Departments and public bodies - on an ongoing basis rather than having a system whereby the Freedom of Information Act is used for obtaining general information. The Freedom of Information Act was originally introduced to benefit citizens by ensuring their rights in interacting with the State so that personal information would be made available to them in an appropriate way. We have extended its remit considerably since then.

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