James Bannon (Fine Gael)

Will the Leader invite the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to the House to have a debate on the charges imposed under the Freedom of Information Act 1997? These charges are impacting negatively on public access to information. Transparency and accountability form the cornerstone of every democracy. As we have learned recently, there has been a 33% decline in the numbers accessing the services provided for under the Act in the past two years due to the high charges imposed by the Government. The Taoiseach promised a review of the legislation approximately one and a half years ago but nothing has happened. In all other European countries, no charges are imposed.