Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I advised on Committee Stage that I would return to the amendment submitted by Senators McCarthy, Ryan, O'Meara, McDowell and Tuffy which would make the confidentiality clause in what is now section 25(1) subject to the Freedom of Information Act while affording the protections provided for in the legislation. The question at issue did not relate to the substance of the amendment but whether it would be better achieved by means of the Bill or the Freedom of Information Act. The Attorney General's office wanted the opportunity to consider the matter as it is likely to arise in other statutes. In the meantime, my Department has received the green light from the Attorney General's office and accordingly, I am happy to provide for this amendment in the Bill. However, the provision will not have any practical effect until the Veterinary Council is brought under the scope of the Freedom of Information Act. The Minister for Finance intends to bring forward legislation to extend the scope of the Freedom of Information Act to include such statutory bodies in the near future.