Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy is aware, my predecessor as Minister, Deputy Michael McGrath, published a comprehensive update regarding the work that is under way on the FOI legislation. The legislation is actively used at the moment. The annual volume of requests doubled between 2014 and 2019. The drop-off in the use of FOI legislation during the pandemic has now ceased and we are seeing a further upward trend in the number of applications being made.

Approximately four out of every five requests submitted are granted in full or in part. That rate is consistent from year to year. This legislation is well used but, in spite of that, I am aware that only 25% of requesters and 40% of public servants agree that the freedom of information system is fully fit for purpose. It is because of all of those points that the review of this legislation that is under way is very much merited. The Deputy will appreciate that I cannot prejudge at this point what the outcome of that review will be and therefore cannot say what recommendations I may bring forward. However, as I said in my opening answer, I expect that the work will be done and any changes recommended during the year.

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