Bertie Ahern
Question:16 Mr. B. Ahern asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, she has to require Ministers and Ministers of State to be subject to the provisions of the Official Secrets Act. [6832/95]
Written Answers. - Official Secrets Act.
I have not carried out a review of the Official Secrets Act, 1963, and, accordingly, I have no proposals for amendments to this Act at present.
I am aware that, in line with a commitment in the Government policy agreement, the terms of reference of the Select Committee on Legislation and Security have been amended to require "that the Select Commitee shall review, on a regular basis, the Official Secrets Act and all other statutory provisions which restrict access to information and shall report thereon to Dáil Éireann with recommendations to bring them into line with the best international standards of public information provision". This clearly provides a forum at which Deputies could pursue any suggestions for change which they have in relation to the law in this area. I will consider any such recommendations the committee might make.