Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 18 Dec 2003

Vol. 577 No. 5

Written Answers. - Freedom of Information.

Enda Kenny

Question:

100 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the total number of requests for information under the Freedom of Information Acts received by his Department in 2003; the number of requests received per month for 2003; the number of requests received per month for 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31863/03]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The information that the Deputy requires up to the end of September 2003 is outlined hereunder. My Department's Freedom of Information Unit will forward to the Deputy figures in respect of the months of October, November and December in early January 2004 together with a final total for the year 2003.

2002

January	92
February	161
March	175
April	220
May	194
June	133
July	182
August	171
September	191
October	172
November	160
December	90

2003

January	157
February	285
March	362
April	204
May	244
June	234
July	215
August	160
September	207

The total number of FOI applications received in the Department of Education and Science to 30 September is 2,158.

The Deputy will note that my Department continues to receive the largest number of requests of all public bodies. The majority of the requests are from former residents of industrial and reformatory schools who are seeking access to information about their stay in such institutions. My Department is committed to ensuring that the highest level of service possible is provided to Freedom of Information requesters.