Question:
139 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Finance if the Freedom of Information Act, 1997, has been extended to area partnerships. [10653/01]
Written Answers. - Freedom of Information Act.
The Freedom of Information Act, 1997, does not apply to area partnerships at present. My colleague the Minister of State, Deputy Martin Cullen, is currently finalising plans for a further significant extension of the FOI Act commencing in 2002. Departments have been asked to identify appropriate bodies for inclusion in that round of extensions and I would hope to be reporting to Government shortly in this regard. The extension of FOI to area partnerships will be examined in this context.