Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 343: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when it is intended that the Freedom of Information Act 1997 will apply to the Private Residential Tenancies Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18453/09]

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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The Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB), which commenced operations in September 2004, is at present outside the scope of the Freedom of Information Act 1997.

Given the importance of openness and transparency in relation to the operation of State bodies generally, it is my intention that the Board, subject to exemptions that recognise its quasi-judicial functions, should come under the scope of the Freedom of Information code. My Department is in discussions in this regard with the Department of Finance, which has overall responsibility for the Freedom of Information Act and its extension to further bodies. At this stage, it is intended that the matter will be progressed in the context of proposals to be brought forward by the Department of Finance for the extension of the Freedom of Information Acts to a number of additional public bodies. I understand that consideration of this matter is at an advanced stage and I would hope that the Department of Finance will be in a position to bring forward proposals this year.

Once approved, and an implementation date has been agreed, the formal extension of the Act to additional bodies can be given effect by Regulations.