Andrew Boylan
Question:11 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will announce the access planned for members of the public on foot of the Freedom of Information Act, 1997. [7470/98]
Written Answers. - Freedom of Information Act.
My Department has been putting in place a comprehensive policy to ensure that members of the public will have access to the records stipulated by the Freedom of Information Act. The Act comes into operation on 21 April 1998. Arrangements for members of the public to access information held by my Department are at an advanced stage.
It is planned that Freedom of Information reference books will be published and distributed early next month. Details explaining how members of the public can make requests for information under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act will be set out in these reference books. These publications will be available in the offices of my Department and will be distributed to all the libraries which are funded by the local authorities. They will also be available on the Internet web site of my Department.