Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for the opportunity to participate in this important debate on the Freedom of Information Act. I agree with many of my colleagues that it is important that we have this debate. Freedom and information are two very important elements in any democracy that claims to be open and transparent. Wherever we see a Government or Ministers rowing back we have to focus on it. I support the concept of respect for an open democracy and transparency for different Ministers and different Departments and, generally, in regard to reforms in the public sector. There are genuine concerns about changing the effective dates.

The Government was elected on the promise of reform and change, an issue on which we need to up our game in terms of this issue, particularly 12 months out from a general election. We need to ensure that the reforms put in place are effective. Freedom of information is a key issue.

The Minister mentioned the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Private Residential Tenancy Board for whom he is proposing an effective date of 21 April 2012. In the current climate there is a huge crisis in terms of many families who are being intimidated by landlords and put out of their homes. Yesterday, a lovely family in my constituency, whose rent was increased by 47%, was told they have to be out of their home by June. While we have organisations who support these people, some landlords are running riot over tenants and exploiting many people.

I take the Minister's point about a significant administrative burden and the delays in the administration's core business but we have to focus on the important issue in this debate, the freedom of information. Direct costs is also dealt with. We know there is a history of this public body having major issues and also the Shannon group. There are major concerns coming from people and Opposition Deputies. That we are having this debate is a step in the right direction because previously there was an attempt to close it down.

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