Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

Indeed. The Opposition is trying to undermine the Government. This Bill is an amendment to the principal Act, not the removal of the Act. It consists of appropriate amendments which have been brought forward by the Government on the recommendation of an independent committee representing the Departments which made certain suggestions. Everybody agrees that the Act must be amended, particularly with regard to Cabinet information. Five years is far too short. Many matters would not even be finalised in that time. From the point of view of the business of the State and its confidentiality, it is vital that information not be released within the five year period and that the period be extended to ten years. Everybody agrees with this.

The previous Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats Government implemented the Freedom of Information Act.