Michael Ring
Question:163 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources when the Freedom of Information Act, 1997, will apply to fisheries boards and Coillte. [23543/00]
Written Answers. - Freedom of Information Act.
The Freedom of Information Act allows for the phased introduction of FOI across the public service. The Act has applied from 21 April 1998 to a range of bodies at central government level, mainly 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.
Paragraph 1(5) of the First Schedule of the Act 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 Minister for Finance, with the agreement of relevant Ministers.
There are no plans at present to include the fisheries boards and Coillte Teoranta by a specific date. The extension of the FOI Act to bodies under the aegis of my Department, including the fisheries boards and Coillte, will be examined in consultation with the Minister for Finance.