Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

Committee members will see that there is no attempt other than to adopt a totally transparent approach. If the Senator kept in touch with his spokespersons, he would be better informed.

In regard to the Freedom of Information Act, those of us involved in local government are aware of the additional cost imposed on them. It is just one sector of the public service to which the Act applies. Sections have been set up and staffed to deal with the matter. Anybody who has kept in touch knows that certain individuals are inveterate applicants to the units for all sorts of information. There is a huge cost involved, which the public pays. It is only appropriate that a small charge should be applied in order that people would be more selective in regard to the information they seek.

I agree with Senator Ryan in regard to large numbers of amendments coming to us on Report Stage from the Dáil. While it is probably not possible for the Leader to do anything at this late stage in regard to the Bills before the House, the issue should be looked at to ensure that when significant changes are made to legislation which returns to this House from the Dáil, adequate time is made available to scrutinise and deal with the legislation to the satisfaction of the House.