asked the Minister for Energy if he will outline his policy in relation to the publication of all reports commissioned by his Department or other agencies funded in whole or in part by his Department; if he will introduce changes to the present arrangements to ensure that all such reports are published in future; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - Publication of Reports .
10.
: Reports commissioned by my Department would not normally be published unless it was deemed to be in the public interest to do so. Criteria used in determining whether or not a report should be published would include the purpose of the report, confidentiality and the level of public interest involved.
The Deputy will, no doubt, appreciate that the question of publication of reports commissioned by agencies funded by my Department is primarily a matter for determination by the bodies concerned.
I do not propose to make any changes in the existing arrangements.
: Might I clarify with the Minister his attitude in relation to any such reports as mentioned in the question which have been compiled or commissioned utilising public funds and whether or not he is satisfied that there is adequate access by members of the public, and particularly by Members of this House, to such documentation, some of which can be very helpful if it was more publicly available.
: I have I think—certainly by implication in saying that I do not propose to make any changes in the existing arrangements—indicated that I am satisfied that the arrangements at present existing adequately meet the requirements of the situation.