Written answers

Tuesday, 16 November 2021

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Freedom of Information

Photo of Catherine ConnollyCatherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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241. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 5 of 23 September 2021, the status of the review of the freedom of information framework; the terms of reference of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55941/21]

Photo of Michael McGrathMichael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I would like to thank the Deputy for her ongoing interest in this important topic and for allowing me this opportunity to update the House on the progress of my Department's review of the Freedom of Information Act. I am pleased to report that there have been a number of developments in this regard since our last discussion on the matter.

In recent weeks I have published a roadmap for the review, setting out the various steps and timeframes for the process. In brief, this includes a public consultation on the scope of the review, the publication of a consultation paper informed by stakeholder's views on the themes to be addressed and a full consultation in which my Department will seek detailed submissions on the issues.

In addition, my Department is developing a customer satisfaction survey to gauge perceptions of the FOI process, as well as a methodology for estimating the administrative burden and cost of the FOI system. As the review progresses, these key information gathering activities will be supplemented by a desk-based review of international best practices, interviews, focus groups, regional events and other activities as required.

This is a ambitious programme of work in the interests of a careful and thorough review of the FOI system. The review will conclude with a report and recommendations, which is scheduled for mid-2022.

I want to encourage all stakeholders to get involved in this important review, from the public sector to the media, academia, activists and interest groups, as well as individual requesters.

In line with this approach, my Department last week launched the initial public consultation on the scope of the review. The consultation includes a convenient online web form through which individuals can have their say, as well as submissions from public bodies, advocacy and other representative groups.

This has received a very positive response to date, with almost 200 responses received within 24 hours of launch, and a steady stream of further submissions since then. The consultation will be open until 17th December, I would encourage all interested parties to participate in this process.

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