Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I move amendment No. 10:

In page 9, line 40 to delete subsection (d).

The amendment addresses the need for the Government to consult party leaders before taking certain decisions. Its acceptance would ensure a degree of consultation would take place with those who were Ministers during the period to which a specific request related. Earlier Senator O'Rourke reflected the thinking behind section 19(4)(a) of the principal Act when she said members of the Cabinet, both individually and collectively, would have a view on matters raised under freedom of information requests.

While the original Act was being passed, the current Government parties, the then Opposition, supported with alacrity the consultation process outlined in subsection 19(4) which remains an important part of the Act. I call on the Minister of State to continue his party's initial policy of support for it.