Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Deputy Martin submitted an FOI request relating to briefing material prepared in advance of the European Council meeting in March. That request was part-granted, as I understand it, by the freedom of information officer. On appeal by Deputy Martin, the request was considered by somebody of high rank in the Department, as provided for in the Freedom of Information Act. I understand that two further documents were released, with minor redactions. The Deputy has since appealed that request to the Information Commissioner, again as is provided for in the Freedom of Information Act, in respect of which I have no connection whatsoever. That appeal is currently being processed by her.

Two other requests were received from the Fianna Fáil research office. The first, some time ago, related to the pensions levy. The second, in July, related to contacts with the Ceann Comhairle's office regarding the disallowance or transfer of parliamentary questions. Both were part-granted and were answered within the freedom of information timeframe, as set out.

I am aware a number of Departments have released the replies to freedom of information requests on their websites, although it is also clear that most complaints in regard to freedom of information relate not to the process of obtaining information but to the restrictions which apply to the information that can be released. This is why it is a commitment in the programme for Government to restore the Freedom of Information Acts to what they were prior to 2003 and to extend their remit to additional public bodies. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform is working on that.

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