Seán Kenny (Dublin North East, Labour)
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257. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when an An Garda Síochána will be in a position to accept requests under the Freedom of Information Acts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7980/15]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The Freedom of Information Act 2014 came into effect on 14 October 2014.  In line with the Programme for Government, the Act provides for the extension of FOI to An Garda Síochána for its administrative records relating to human resources, or finance or procurement matters, subject to security exemptions.

In accordance with Section 1(3)(b) of the FOI Act 2014, in the case of a public body - such as An Garda Síochána - that was not subject to FOI under the FOI Act 1997 but is subject to FOI under the 2014 Act, the Act will apply to that body 6 months from enactment or on such later day, not later than 12 months from enactment, as the Minister may by order appoint.  

Following consideration of the case made by and on behalf of An Garda Síochána relating to the size, scale and the geographically dispersed nature of the organisation, I have agreed that the maximum lead-in time provided for under the Act for the application of FOI could be allowed in respect of An Garda Síochána.

My decision as set out above will require a Ministerial Order before it comes into effect.  I intend, therefore, to make an Order shortly to provide that FOI will apply to An Garda Síochána with effect from 14 October 2015 in respect of the records detailed above.  The Order will be laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas in accordance with normal procedure.