Vol. 418 No. 6
52 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the procedural and operational changes he proposes to introduce into the operations of his Department so as to give effect to the Taoiseach's statement of his commitment to open Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department have a press office which deals with queries pertaining to my Department whether those queries come from the media or from ordinary citizens. All inquiries are dealt with in an open manner and replies are furnished as speedily as possible. The Deputy will appreciate that the number of queries coming to my Department is considerable given the wide-ranging brief of the Department. I am satisfied that all queries are dealt with in a manner consistent with the Government policy of providing easy access to information.
I should also add that arrangements have been made to provide briefing material each week to the Taoiseach's Department for the recently established weekly press briefing for political correspondents. While there are no proposals for any other immediate or procedural changes in my Department at present, I would like to take this opportunity to state my full support for the Taoiseach regarding the policy of open Government.
