Jim Higgins
Question:74 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Finance when he proposes to publish the Freedom of Information Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Freedom of Information Bill.
In the "Broadening our Democracy" section of the Programme for a Partnership Government, we undertook to consider the introduction of Freedom of Information legislation. At present, I am working on the drafting of a Freedom of Information Bill in conjunction with my Ministers of State. A workable and generally acceptable Freedom of Information Act will necessitate a fine balance being struck between, on the one hand, the desire to make our system of public administration more open to the public and, on the other, the need to protect certain categories of sensitive information, for example, personal material relating to individuals, information concerning security and commercial confidences. We are teasing out the many details surrounding this proposed legislation at present.
This is not an area that can, or should, be rushed. Nevertheless, I can assure the Deputy that this matter is currently receiving high priority.