Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Jan 1998

Vol. 486 No. 1

Written Answers. - Freedom of Information Act.

John Bruton

Question:

838 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science 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. [1259/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin):

The Freedom of Information Act commences on 21 April next. The Deputy will be aware that my Department, together with other public bodies which come within the scope of the Act from its commencement are obliged to publish, by that date, extensive information under sections 15 and 16 of the Act, relating to organisational functions, practices and records.

Work is well advanced in my Department and in the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, which is the only public body under the aegis of my Department listed in the First Schedule to the Act, in preparing the relevant publications. Final decisions as to 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.