Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Jan 1998

Vol. 486 No. 1

Written Answers. - Freedom of Information Act.

John Bruton

Question:

212 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his Department and each body under the aegis of his Department have complied with sections 15 and 16 of the Freedom of Information Act, 1997; and the location where the documents required under these sections may be obtained by members of the public. [1248/98]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Dr. Woods):

The Freedom of Information Act as it relates to the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources commences on 21 April 1998. The Department is obliged to publish, by that date, extensive information under section 15 and 16 of the Act relating to organisational functions, practices and records.

Work is well advanced in my Department in preparing the relevant publications. Final decisions on where this material will be publicly available will be taken closer to commencement date, having full regard to the provisions and spirit of the Act.

The Act will come into operation in relation to bodies under the aegis of this Department on such day or days as the Minister for Finance, fol- lowing consultation with me, prescribes by regulations.