Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 9 Feb 1999

Vol. 500 No. 1

Written Answers - Freedom of Information Act.

Jim Higgins

Question:

198 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Finance if he intends to prescribe that the terms of the Freedom of Information Act, 1997, apply to the Garda Síochána Complaints Board in accordance with the paragraph 1(5) of the First Schedule of the Act. [3543/99]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

The Freedom of Information Act allows for its phased introduction across the public service. The Act has applied from 21 April 1998 to a range of bodies at central Government level. In the main these are Government Departments and Offices. Consistent with its phased introduction across the public service, the Act was extended to the local authority and health board sectors from 21 October 1998.

As the Deputy indicates, paragraph 1(5) of the First Schedule allows for the extension of the Act to other bodies. The Act provides that this will be done by way of regulation made by the Mini ster for Finance with the agreement of relevant Ministers. Following experience gained by public bodies in implementing FOI, it is intended that such extension will be approached incrementally. Therefore, the extension of the Act to other bodies in the wider public service, including the Garda Síochána Complaints Board, will be examined in the context of this approach and in consultation with relevant Ministers.