Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

A comprehensive review of the FOI regime has been undertaken and is nearing completion. The review was undertaken in the context of a system that appeared to be operating well on its own terms. Since the introduction of the updated legislation in 2014, there has been a large expansion in FOI usage. The number of organisations covered by the legislation has increased significantly and the number of requests received annually has almost doubled. Approximately four out of every five requests decided upon are granted. Reviews are available where requesters are dissatisfied with the outcome of their requests. However, these are availed of in approximately 3% of cases annually, while an independent review by the Information Commissioner is sought in slightly over 1% of cases. Key indicators remain consistent from year to year.

However, this does not mean that there is no room for improvement. Against this backdrop, a thorough and careful review has been undertaken, assessing the current regime and identifying challenges and opportunities to build on and update the system, aiming to deliver transparency in more effective ways. The review process has been an open and collaborative one, taking in the views of a wide range of stakeholders. It commenced with a scoping process that sought the views of stakeholders across all sectors in setting the direction of the review and included a customer satisfaction survey as well as a full public consultation.

This was supplemented by engagement with all the key stakeholders and accompanied by a review of international approaches to FOI seeking to identify best practices and innovations globally. The review draws on this evidence to inform its findings and recommendations. Broadly speaking, the key strands in the review involve considering potential reforms leading to a more coherent approach to information governance and access, supplementing formal FOI requests and improving the request process. I expect to receive the final report shortly and then intend to bring it to Government for approval in due course. If amending legislation is required on foot of the report, this will be progressed together with some of the recommendations.

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