Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 June 2004
116 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if the recent ruling of the High Court has resulted in the release of school inspectors’ reports to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19431/04]
View answerSection 44(2) of the Freedom of Information Act 1997 provides that effect cannot be given to a decision to release records following an appeals process until the possibility of further appeal has ceased. I understand that the order in the case of Barney Sheedy v the Information Commissioner has not been perfected and that the appellant will have three weeks from the date on which this takes place to lodge an appeal with the Supreme Court. The perfection of the order is a matter for the court and I cannot comment on when that might happen. Consequently, as the legal case referred to by the Deputy will not be concluded until the expiration of the period allowed by section 44 or the resolution of any further appeal, it has not influenced the release of inspection reports under the Freedom of Information Acts.
