Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I move:

That Seanad Éireann approves the following Order in draft:Freedom of Information Act 2014 (Effective Date for Certain Bodies) Order 2015,copies of which Order in draft were laid before Seanad Éireann on 10th March 2015.

I thank the Minister for coming into the House to discuss these orders that require resolutions of both Houses of the Oireachtas. The first provides for a different effective date for certain bodies under the Freedom of Information Act, while the second provides for exemptions from the Act, in whole or in part, for certain bodies. As these matters were discussed yesterday at the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform yesterday, I appreciate the Minister coming into the House to offer other Members an opportunity to have their views on these matters heard. At the committee he explained comprehensively his rationale for introducing the motions. The proposed changes are technical and administrative in nature. However, they are ones that I believe will contribute to the overall effective operation of the Freedom of Information Act in the best interests of both the organisations to which it applies and, more importantly, citizens who seek information from them. As Leader of the House, I am happy to move the motions.