Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am looking forward to the Minister filling me with hope. It will not even cost him money to do it.

The 2014 Freedom of Information Act was heralded as ground-breaking and progressive legislation by the former Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. At the time, we pointed out many problems with it, but they were obviously ignored. It is three years since the Act was put in place and these problems have now come to fruition in many areas and practice.

What are the Minister’s views on the 40 or more agencies that are either fully or partially exempt from freedom of information requests? What are his views on whether these exemptions are in the public interest with regard to accountability and transparency? Will he consider conducting a review of the agencies which benefit from such exemptions?

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