Caít Keane (Fine Gael)

Yes. The Freedom of Information Act became law in 2003 and there is a policy from this Government that it will be changed so as to revert to an openness that was evident prior to 2003. The Government is working on it at the moment. I ask the Minister to come to the House and we will legislate to restore freedom of information to what it was before it was undermined by the previous Government. Its remit will be extended to public bodies, including the administrative side of the Garda Síochána, subject to security exceptions. The Freedom of Information and Ombudsman Acts will be amended to ensure that all statutory bodies, including RTE, as noted by Senator Norris, and bodies significantly funded from the public purse are covered.

Work is ongoing in this regard and I heard the Ombudsman say on the airwaves that contact was being made with her office. We should have a debate in this House on freedom of information proposals and what we, as a Seanad, can add to the debate. I ask the Deputy Leader to bring the Minister before us for the debate. We do not want to go back to "Yes, Prime Minister", where Sir Humphrey said one can have openness or government but not both. I believe we can and the Government shares that belief.