Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
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326. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to improve freedom of information legislation. [14998/20]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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All indications are that the Freedom of Information system continues to function well on a day-to-day basis in delivering its objectives of openness, accountability and transparency of public bodies.

According to the Information Commissioner's Annual Report, 2019 once again saw a new record in FOI activity, with 41,176 requests dealt with by public bodies over the course of the year. This included a further 8% year-on-year increase in the number of requests received by public bodies. The annual volume of FOI requests has almost doubled since the introduction of the current Freedom of Information Act in 2014, while the past decade has seen an increase of 179% in the annual number of requests received by public bodies.

In terms of outcomes, 87% of requests decided on by public bodies in 2019 were granted in full or in part. In only 3% of cases did requesters avail of the review mechanism available to them where dissatisfied with an FOI decision, while only 1% of requesters went on to seek a review by the Information Commissioner. These figures are broadly similar to what has been seen in previous years. The Commissioner also noted a significant decrease in the number of “deemed refusals” coming before him, that is cases where a body failed to issue a decision in time.

My Department continues to monitor the operation of the 2014 Act on an ongoing basis, and is working closely with FOI bodies and other stakeholders to resolve any issues raised.