Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 12 Mar 1998

Vol. 488 No. 6

Written Answers. - Freedom of Information Act.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

33 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the procedures, if any, in place to ensure the effective implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, 1997 from 21 April 1998 for those areas for which he has Ministerial responsibility. [6703/98]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

In order to ensure that the detailed requirements of the Freedom of Information Act, 1997 are met with effect from 21 April 1998, my Department has undertaken a wide range of preparatory measures. I will set out, for the information of the Deputy, the principal steps being taken.

Sections 15 and 16 of the Act oblige every Government Department and agency covered by the Act to publish details of their functions, types of records held, the procedures and any rules-guidelines or precedents used in decision making. My officials are preparing manuals to meet the statutory responsibilities of the Department and associated offices and agencies which are covered by the Act. When published, it is intended that the manuals will be available in the Department's offices, associated offices, Garda stations, court offices and in public libraries etc.

In addition, in order to be in a position to meet any requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act, 1997 my Department is taking specific steps to improve our records managment processes and will also be putting in place a computerised correspondence tracking system by tailoring an existing correspondence tracking system for this purpose. Procedures to deal with freedom of information requests and appeals against decisions taken are also being devised.

Finally, the staff of my Department have been receiving training in relation to the implications of the freedom of information legislation. Most staff have by now received initial training and advanced courses are being organised for key staff in divisions expected to receive a sizeable number of requests under the Freedom of Information Act.