Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The programme for Government included a commitment to introduce new freedom of information legislation, and it was introduced. My understanding is that it also allows for a review of the legislation. I have submitted freedom of information requests to the Department of Finance but must say I am really unhappy with the way the legislation is playing out. I was due to receive responses at about the same time as a journalist received responses to the same questions. Two weeks later, I got the exact same information. I am awaiting other material that is overdue by weeks. I have gone through the appropriate channels, making the complaints, but the information is not being provided to me. I am not being given an explanation. It is completely unsatisfactory. Will the Tánaiste consider strengthening the legislation if there is evidence that it is not working? If there is such evidence, will she carry out a review before the term of this Government has concluded?

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