Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Therefore the proposition if accepted by the Minister and if the Bill is amended, will apply directly to the office of Mr. Elderfield, which is appropriate. There is nothing to be protected in the work and decision making of the Central Bank of Ireland and its respective elements. The application of freedom of information aids best practice, best decision making and an awareness of the potential of careful scrutiny, which aids and abets the already stated objective. It is in the wider public interest not just on the basis of having a means or mechanism to catch people out but rather to have a much better understanding of the decision making process and why certain decisions are taken. I strongly urge acceptance of the amendments as presented by the Deputies from the Labour and Fine Gael parties.

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