Chris Andrews (Dublin Bay South, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I commend my colleagues, Deputies Mairéad Farrell and Clarke, on the work they have put into the Bill. Transparency and accountability are cornerstones of any modern democracy and in the pursuit of transparency and accountability, the freedom of information process plays a vital role. Since the formation of this State we have seen Governments go to great lengths to hide official State information. There was infamous burning of Cabinet documents concerning the brutal policy of execution of republican prisoners during the Civil War, which is among the worst of the examples.

Sadly, this State has a long and poor history when it comes to transparency and access to official State information. Other states have similar issues. In light of these failings, the public has been left reliant on individuals like Mr. Julian Assange and Mr. Edward Snowden. Were it not for their actions and those of others like them, information on countless crimes and abuses around the world would never have seen the light of day. The public should not be reliant on whistleblowers risking their lives and livelihoods to expose such injustice. As I speak, Mr. Assange remains in a maximum security prison and Mr. Snowden will live out the rest of his days in exile, far from his home and family. What were their crimes but trying to give transparency and accountability to the public? For that reason, Mr. Assange should be freed. We in Ireland saw the horrific treatment endured by a former Garda sergeant, Mr. Maurice McCabe, including the creation of false reports and attempts at intimidation targeting him and his family. This demonstrates what can happen when transparency and accountability are lacking.

The freedom of information process played a key role in events like the beef tribunal and the controversy involving the public services card. A well-functioning freedom of information regime is essential to any state that values the democratic process and it is an effective tool to give to the public for holding those in power to account. This Bill is an important step to broaden the current remit of the freedom of information process. In the interests of strengthening the democratic process, I urge all Deputies to support it.

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