Caít Keane (Fine Gael)

Yes. I compliment the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, on accepting a Private Members' Bill tabled by the Fianna Fáil Party in the Lower House, which will become law before the end of this year. The legislation addresses an issue I raised in this House earlier this year regarding the Financial Services Ombudsman. Deputy Michael McGrath tabled a short Bill to allow the ombudsman name and shame financial institutions which breach the terms and conditions agreed with individual consumers. This is a welcome development which rows back some of the changes to the freedom of information legislation introduced in 2007.

Approximately one month ago, I asked the Leader to request that the Government review the Freedom of Information Act. The programme of Government includes a commitment to legislate to restore the Act to the position that obtained before it was undermined by the outgoing Government in 2007. Thankfully, the largest party in the previous Government has had a change of heart and has introduced amending legislation which the Government has accepted. I ask for a debate on the Act to ascertain when the commitment in the programme of Government will be implemented. It would be preferable to amend the entire Act rather than change it in a piecemeal manner. I welcome the legislation proposed in the other House by the Fianna Fáil Party and commend Deputy Michael McGrath on preparing it. It is almost unprecedented for a Minister to accept Opposition legislation. His decision shows that the Government intends to make things work.