Seanad debates

Tuesday, 4 March 2003

Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage.

 

I do not accept the merit of the arguments about alleged lack of consultation. Political parties are consulted in Parliament. They are being consulted here today and will be consulted in committee and the Dáil. Sometimes on social partnership, parties opposite complain that Government spends too much energy consulting other parties, the social partners and so on outside the House rather than coming to Parliament. This is a case where we are coming to Parliament and Parliament is giving its view. Interested parties will convey their views to us, as is perfectly appropriate in a parliamentary process. I am sure many of us have had calls from representatives of the media, for example. It is very clear from the Minister's speech that there has been constant consultation and discussion with interested parties at conferences and with the Information Commissioner. It is open to the Information Commissioner to write a letter or speak to the Minister for Finance at any time that he chooses during the course of this Bill and make any points he wishes to make. I am very much in favour of freedom of information.

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