Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

My view is well known on issues such as freedom of information. Senator Brian Hayes knows my views and I have also taken the view that the best way to make sure secrets are not leaked is to have absolutely no secrets at all. This issue was discussed in this House when we debated the Freedom of Information Act. I was sitting on the other side of the House and arguing about these issues. Opinions, materials and drafts went backwards and forwards between Departments at the very early advanced stages. The argument was made – one which certainly has validity – that the prior opinions of Departments that went into the formative stage are not an issue in any jurisdiction or subject to freedom of information because what becomes a matter of freedom of information is the stage when the legislation is consolidated and comes forward.

I have always taken the view privately that it would be very illuminating to know what discussions went on in the background in the formulation stage. I would not be prepared to give a commitment in that respect here, but I have private views that might not be a million miles from those of Senator Brian Hayes.

Question put and agreed to.

Sections 4 to 6, inclusive, agreed to.

Title agreed to.

Bill reported without amendment and received for final consideration.

Question proposed: "That the Bill do now pass."