Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I know the Minister's heart is in the right place and I agree entirely with him when he says that publication on the Internet is good practice. I know that this is done under his regime. However, it is not enough because he will not be in office for all time. It is important that others engage in good practice also. We should stitch my proposal into every Bill. When the word "publish" is used, it is not enough to publish in print or in Iris Oifigiúil. I am not saying information on schemes should not be in Iris Oifigiúil, because it should, as it should be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. However, information can be published on the Internet at the press of a button and there is no cost factor involved. Therefore, publication "by electronic means" should be provided for.

I have tabled amendments of this kind many times and they have been accepted on a number of occasions. I would have assumed that the Minister would have nodded his head, thanked me for reminding him and acknowledge that the Department had slipped up by missing this. I urge him to consider my amendment to ensure that publication by electronic means be carried out. Such a provision should be included in all legislation where the word "published" is mentioned. The Internet offers an easy, low-cost method of making publications accessible to the public.