We are here to discuss the draft form of the Freedom of Information Act 1997 (Miscellaneous Revocations) Regulations 2003 from the Department of Finance. These were referred to the committee for consideration by order of the Dáil and Seanad on 7 May. Members have been circulated with a background information note from the Department of Finance regarding these draft regulations.
I wish to have agreed in advance that we will allocate a maximum of 30 minutes, if that amount of time is even necessary, to this item as the Minister of State has another engagement, but also and more importantly because there is nothing new in the draft regulations.
We are to discuss only the draft regulations. Three statutory instruments listed under the Freedom of Information Act 1997 have been subsumed in their entirety into the 2003 Act. There is therefore no necessity to retain the old regulations as it is obvious duplication. We are meeting to consider their revocation.
On behalf of the committee, I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Parlon, and his officials. I suggest that we invite the Minister of State to make his opening statement to be followed by a brief question and answer session. Is that agreed? Agreed.