Jim Higgins (Fine Gael)

The House should adjourn because it is wrong to proceed in these circumstances. The Information Commissioner was not granted the courtesy of having an input by the so-called expert committee. I have scanned quickly through the Information Commissioner's report and it is extremely important. It provides a good overview of the legislation along with a critical analysis of its sections, including the one dealing with Government committees. We should not proceed with the debate until we have had an opportunity to digest the commissioner's report.

I agree with one of the points made by Senator O'Meara concerning the Title to the Bill. I know we are talking about the principal Act, but it is a misnomer to call it the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill. It should be entitled the "Restriction on the Freedom of Information" Bill because it drives a coach and four through the 1997 Act, setting many of its provisions at nought.

The Minister of State is aware that the commissioner's report has now been published. We should not proceed with the debate until we have had an opportunity to study the report, which provides a critical analysis of core sections of the Bill. The commissioner has presented his report, both as a former civil servant and as the citizens' referee, on how the original Act is being dealt with. The report also has implications for this Bill which seeks to trample on people's rights.

The House should adjourn until after 8 p.m. to deal further with this matter. It would be manifestly wrong to proceed without first studying the commissioner's report.