Vol. 535 No. 4
158 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Finance the frequency by which freedom of information sections 15 and 16 manuals are prepared by Departments, local authorities, health boards and other organisations covered by the Act; and his views on whether this is a reasonable amount of time for these to be prepared. [12842/01]
Under sections 15 and 16 of the Freedom of Information Act, 1997, public bodies are required to publish their reference manuals upon commencement of the Act in the particular body in question. Revised versions of the manuals are required to be prepared and published by each body not less frequently than three years after publication of the previous versions. I am satisfied that the provisions of the Act in relation to the timescale for the publication and updating of the reference material is reasonable. Of course, public bodies may, and some do, publish revised versions of their documentation more frequently than required under the Act. It is a matter for each public body to consider its needs and those of its customers in this regard.
