Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I certainly would like to get to a point where the need for FOI requests would be reduced and where more information would be more readily available, particularly in the context of personal requests. It cab be quite a cumbersome process to get for people the information that they need.

I will be bringing a memorandum to Cabinet - I expect to do so as early as next week - setting out the process and seeking formal Government approval. We want to do this properly. It will take some time to complete the process and it will be next year before the review is complete.

I make the point that all public bodies have records management policies and the position is clear regarding the retention of data and what the obligations are in that respect. It must be done in a manner that is consistent with the National Archives Act the data protection legislation, and, of course, the Freedom of Information Act itself. I want to take a collaborative approach to this review. I recognise that while overall the system is working well, it is in need of improvement. I am determined to work with the Opposition, with stakeholders and with everyone else to bring about those improvements. The process in this regard will formally commence once Cabinet has approved the review, but it will be next year before it is complete.

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