Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I worked very constructively with former Minister, Michael McGrath, on this matter and other issues. I hope the Minister and I can do the same. Regarding this issue, we also need to consider solutions. Sometimes when people are refused an FOI request, they do not think they have the grounds to appeal the decision. I also encourage people who believe they are entitled to some information to make sure they go forward and appeal the decision. One of the solutions I suggest is if an FOI appeal to the Information Commissioner concerning the refusal or redaction of information sees the initial decision overturned, then the cost of the process should be refunded to the person who submitted the appeal. If we required public bodies to disclose in their annual reports the amount paid out in such successful appeals, this would highlight those that have had an issue with transparency or whose FOI officers may need additional types of training. I proposed a Bill in this regard. Sometimes it is just about getting proposals we can work on together constructively and try to get them over the line so the system works better.

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