Is the First Stage being opposed? Under Standing Order No. 79, I will allow a brief explanatory statement from the proposer.
Freedom of Information Bill, 1988: First Stage.
On a matter of information, I do not think there is any explanatory position to be laid out by the proposer. I order that the Bill be printed, and that is it.
Leave granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to provide a general right of access to official information for members of the public subject to certain exemptions; to provide safeguards for the privacy of personal information collected and retained for official purposes; to repeal certain provisions of the Official Secrets Act, 1963; and to provide for connected matters.
—(Senator B. Ryan.)
Is there a date for Second Stage? Is it being printed? The House must now fix a date for Second Stage, if at all possible.
I propose next Wednesday, a Chathaoirligh.
I second that.
I fully appreciate that being proposed for next Wednesday does not guarantee that it will be taken next week.
Second Stage ordered for Wednesday, 9 March, 1988.