Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 5:

In page 14, line 24, to delete "who" and substitute "or company (within the meaning of the Companies Acts) which".

I welcome the Minister. The Bill is welcome and any amendments that have been tabled here are efforts to improve the Bill. This amendment aims to clear up any confusion about so-called "service providers", meaning persons or companies which provide services to FOI bodies. On Second Stage of the Bill, the Minister of State, Deputy Harris, said in the House:

Where bodies provide services under contract to a freedom of information body, they will be covered by the regime. I presume this will be a feature of the debate we will have on Committee Stage.

While I note the fact, the amendment is useful in clarifying that not only persons but companies that provide services to FOI bodies will be covered by the legislation. If a contractor receives millions of euro of taxpayers’ money, the public’s right to access should be clearly stated. The amendment would clear up confusion and ensure State contractors are open to public scrutiny. It is worthy of consideration.