Charlie McCreevy (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)

I am pleased to introduce the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003 to the House. I am conscious that the Freedom of Information Act began its life as a Seanad Bill and that this House played an important role in shaping that legislation. It is essential that citizens have confidence and trust in Government and public administration. The Government is firmly committed to this principle, as was its predecessor. That is the reason we significantly extended the Freedom of Information Act from just 67 bodies when it came into force in April 1998 to include 370 or so today.

At regular intervals, beginning in October 1998, the Government has made significant extensions to the remit of the original Act, first, by extending it to local authorities and health boards, then to voluntary hospitals and subsequently to numerous other State agencies, bodies and institutions, including those in the enterprise, broadcasting and third level education sectors. By extending FOI throughout the public service, the Government has ensured it has become a permanent and valuable feature of public administration.

The Government has committed itself to a continuing programme of extensions with the aim that by the end of 2005 all bodies, organisations and groups appropriate for inclusion will be covered. It has also expanded the scope of the Act through secondary legislation. For example, regulations have been made to allow for the release of records to the parents and guardians of minors and persons with a disability and to the relatives and representatives of the deceased.