Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I wanted to finish my reply to Deputy Catherine Murphy but she has left the Chamber. She made a point about different ceilings. Deputies will be aware that it is my intention to extend the scope of the freedom of information regime to a much wider group of organisations, including bodies that receive significant sums from the Exchequer, some of which will be charities. It may be necessary to have a lower threshold for such charities. I need to discuss with representatives of the Irish Wheelchair Association, the Cheshire Foundation, the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland and other organisations what would be an appropriate regime because these bodies will be concerned about freedom of information legislation applying to them. I wish to be able to give them reassurance and to bring them along the path to freedom of information. I have covered most of the other points.

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