John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

I welcome the opportunity to debate the Bill. Unlike some debates on legislation in the House, the tone of this debate is often driven in advance by media articles. As Members, we have a primary responsibility to debate issues that come before us and to weigh them up, seek opinions and give our own, rather than echo the opinions of others.

It is appropriate that the Bill is before the Seanad given that the Freedom of Information Act began its life here. I fully endorse the principle of freedom of information as an integral part of transparency in public and political life and in the administration of the affairs of the country. In saying that, one must balance effective governance with inability to provide effective government. The Minister has outlined in his speech how the Freedom of Information Act has been used to date. He listed the number of requests, the type of requests and how the Act has been extended continually to other public bodies.

The proposed amendments are balanced and necessary in the interest of good and effective government. Listening to the Opposition parties, it is quite clear that they have forgotten what government is and how it works. That is understandable given their long absence from office.