asked the Minister for the Public Service the limitations, if any, on Members of the Dáil or Seanad having access to information and general data in Government Departments and the reasons for any such limitation.
16.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Access to Information.
15.
asked the Minister for the Public Service the limitations on members of the public having access to information and general data in Government Departments, and the reasons for such limitations.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 16 together.
In general, the limitations on access to official information are the interests of the State. The Official Secrets Act, 1963, contains the present law on this subject. It specifically prohibits disclosures relating to certain contracts and security and, otherwise, leaves it to each individual Minister to decide to what extent information in his Department should be released.
As far as my own Department are concerned, I would be anxious that all reasonable access be given to official information—whether to parliamentarians or others.
Is the Minister aware of the development in data collection about individuals and concerns generally? In view of the frightening power that is vested in computer bureaux and so on will the Minister consider issuing new guidelines on the right to information and restrictions on the sort of information collected by various State agencies?
Is the Deputy suggesting that this type of information should be released publicly?
I am suggesting that individuals have a right to know what is on their file, as they have in other countries, and also that they are entitled to be protected from excessive bureaucracy and prying. In view of the technological developments in the computer field will the Minister look at the situation with a view to protecting individuals in the State?
The Deputy should be specific about the type of information he is referring to. As I stated, this is a matter for each Department.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Did the Minister say that the limitation of information to Members of the Oireachtas or the general public is governed by the interests of the State only? If that is the case when a Minister is given a direction as to the information to be given he should be limited only where the interests of the State requires him to do so?
That is what Ministers generally do. The exceptions are in cases relating to draft legislation, memoranda for Government, negotiations with other countries, negotiations with staff associations on pay, individual letters and so on from the public, individual employees of Departments and information given in confidence. Such information is not available.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Do I take it that any direction of a blanket nature given by a Minister not to communicate with Members of the Oireachtas or the general public would be frowned upon by the Minister? Would any blanket direction given by a specific Minister to his Department not to communicate with the general public or with Members of the Oireachtas be regarded as improper by the Minister?
I am sure that would be frowned upon but I doubt if it exists.