Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

It is always intriguing when files are withheld because all of these files are of national interest. With regard to the eight files withheld, can the Taoiseach give an indication, even in broad strokes, of what subject matters they covered? Is the determination made by one official or is there an oversight or appeals system? The default position should be that they be released unless there is a very compelling case otherwise. Third, will the files ever be published? Once a single civil servant makes the determination, is that it for all time? Are they never to be accessible to posterity?

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