Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 20 Nov 2003

Vol. 575 No. 1

Written Answers. - Freedom of Information.

Richard Bruton

Question:

203 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Act 2003 should be extended to cover the Garda Síochána in respect of issues that will not jeopardise investigations or prosecutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27878/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The Garda Síochána operates under the aegis of my Department. To date it has not been made subject to the Freedom of Information Act 1997.

The Act was extended to additional public bodies on a phased basis since it commenced in April 1998. The Government has decided that this process should continue so that all bodies appropriate for inclusion are covered by the end of 2005.

With a view to considering the position of the Garda Síochána, the Commissioner established a working group in March 2001. It was comprised of Garda members and representatives of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The group's terms of reference were to examine all the issues arising from the extension of the Freedom of Information Act 1997 to the Garda and to prepare a detailed proposal of actions for consideration by the Commissioner.

The Commissioner has now made a submission to my Department, analysing the issues to which any extension would give rise. I will carefully consider his submission before coming to a final view on the matter.