Seanad debates

Thursday, 20 March 2003

Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Report and Final Stages.

 

I must say everything three times before Senator Leyden gets the message. Consultation is not about decision-making or being co-governed. There is only one Government which seeks, takes and listens to advice. I said the Government was entitled to seek the view of the Secretaries General which it received following which the Department of Finance should have consulted the users group, the Information Commissioner and the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service. I then said that having dealt with this, the Government should have made up its mind. This is the way it should and has to be. This is the nature of consultation. I am often on the other side of the fence. Someone has to make a decision. While there can be a great team, a leader must take a decision. Having listened to what the Minister said, I will not press the amendments.

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