Michael Ahern (Cork East, Fianna Fail)

This provision has not been invoked often. However, when it is invoked the public body in question must consult the requester and ask him or her to narrow down the scope of the request before it can be refused. From experience, requesters who make voluminous requests generally agree to narrow down the scope of their requests following consultation with the relevant public body.

On the question of absolute rights and the possibility of abuse raised by Senator McDowell, a decision can be appealed to the Information Commissioner.

Question, "That the words proposed to be deleted stand," put and declared carried.

Amendment declared lost.