Joe O'Toole (Independent)

This is the sequence as I understand it. We were told that this document, the amendments to improve the Freedom of Information Act, which was presented to the Minister in February was discussed by the Department's officials with the Information Commissioner and that they reached certain conclusions. That concerned section 2 of the principal Act. The Minister of State is now telling me, however, that that briefing material is not available, which is amazing. This illustrates why we needed to have a break to allow Government and Opposition Members to prepare for this debate.

I have asked a reasonable question about a central part of the Bill, which the Cathaoirleach has ruled that I may discuss, yet it is a one-sided discussion because I cannot get a simple, straightforward answer. We are told there are legal difficulties but when we ask what they are we are told the Minister of State does not know. Surely I am entitled to know what they are.