Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The freedom of information legislative framework is a very comprehensive one. It allows for appeals in respect of decisions to refuse information. We have always supported the fullest co-operation at all levels of Government with requests for information. Government does not intervene in local authorities all of the time because, if it did, the Deputy and others would be the very first people to say we were interfering in the work of local authorities.

I am not clear how a CEO can disallow a councillor's motion. That is how the Deputy has presented it. I do not know if that is the full story. I would find it difficult to comprehend where a democratically elected representative proposed a motion, unless it is ultra vires, contravenes the law or whatever. I do not know on what basis or grounds a motion was disallowed.

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