Seanad debates

Tuesday, 4 March 2003

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

 

John Healy would turn in his grave at the next part. In paragraph (e) there is a new definition of "Government". For me "Government" is defined in the Constitution as having between seven and 15 members. For the purpose of this Act, "Government" includes a committee of the Government and a committee of officials. We used to hear jokes for years about the permanent Government. They were right. This is it – we have made them the permanent Government. The bureaucrats have taken over. They are now part of the permanent Government of the State. They are in there and are privileged. It is the line we used to say would never happen. It is a total close down. It is an absolute joke.

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