David Norris (Independent)

She has indicated to me that she would like two minutes, so I would be grateful if you could tell me when I have spoken for six minutes, a Leas-Chathaoirligh.

I wish to heartily welcome the Minister to the House. She has had a distinguished career in politics as well as a distinguished career in teaching. I have no doubt she will make a fine Minister. I hope she will start by addressing this matter in a sensitive way, although not in any sense by criticising her predecessor — we will be able to do that for her — but by taking an intelligent and open decision in a situation which requires this kind of approach.

I disagree with what my two colleagues on the Government benches have said; it does seem to me that there is an element of gombeenism in this. There was a substantial attempt to conceal information. The Minister formerly responsible, for whom I have generally speaking a high regard, was pretty strongly rapped over the knuckles by the Information Commissioner, Ms Emily O'Reilly, who made it plain in her report that he had transgressed by not taking into account public interest and by only taking into account matters such as management relations and the fact that people might be upset if they knew they were going to be sacked. Those were the reasons he gave and I quote, "It could have a significant adverse effect on the performance of my Department in its functions relating to management, including industrial relations. Furthermore it could disclose positions taken, or to be taken, for the purpose of negotiations". Those concerns were put above the public interest.