Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 59: To ask the Minister for Finance his views on a consolidation of exclusions from the Freedom of Information Act 1997 as recommended by the Information Commission and to make arrangements whereby new exclusions being proposed would be brought to the notice of the commission for observation before they are enacted. [7994/06]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 220: To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to consider a consolidation of exclusions from the Freedom of Information Act 1997 as recommended by the Information Commission; and if arrangements will be made whereby new exclusions being proposed will be brought to the notice of the commission for observation before they are enacted. [8221/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 220 together.

I understand these questions concern a recommendation in a recent report submitted to the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service by the Information Commissioner related to that committee's function under section 32 of the Freedom of Information Act to review the operation of non-disclosure provisions in other enactments. I will consider any recommendations made by the joint committee on this or other matters when it has concluded its deliberations.

As regards the other matter raised by the Deputies, I can confirm that arrangements have been made with a view to ensuring that relevant legislation before the Houses of the Oireachtas is brought to the attention of the Information Commissioner.