John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I am glad Senator Leyden brought up that issue, something that is creeping into many aspects of public life. At the council in Kilkenny Fianna Fáil forced through proposals with the help of its Independent allies which will result in people having to pay a fee to apply for the disabled person's grant. Fine Gael opposed this move vehemently. I also strongly object to the possible introduction of a fee in order to get information under the FOI Act which should be provided free of charge. It is a retrograde step to ask people to pay.

I was taken aback by the comments of Senator White. Perhaps she did realise what she was saying when she said she did not believe in freedom of information.