Brendan Ryan (Labour)

Can I ask the Leader if we can have a debate on the apparent near-collapse of public use of the Freedom of Information Act 1997? There has been a reduction of 53% in the number of applications made under the Act since the Government emasculated it, in effect, in these Houses earlier this year. It would be very appropriate for this House to examine the Act and to invite the Government to explain how it can be said to be working well if the number of applications made under it has decreased by approximately half.

Can I remind the Members opposite, who seem to be under some pressure, that organisations representing the best part of 400,000 people will outline the positive aspects of the proposed smoking ban in a hotel near Leinster House at lunchtime today?