Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 January 2005
554 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the State, semi-State, State-sponsored and statutory bodies under the aegis of his Department which are not subject to the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 1997; the reason a body is not subject to the requirements of the Act; and if he envisages proposals to bring any such body within the scope of the Act in the foreseeable future. [1710/05]
View answerThe Freedom of Information Act has been extended to public bodies on a phased basis since its introduction in April 1998. The Act will apply to all appropriate bodies by the end of 2005. The only State, semi-State, State-sponsored and statutory body under the aegis of the Department of Social and Family Affairs which has not been made subject to the Freedom of Information Acts is the Family Support Agency. This agency was established in May 2003 following the passing of the Family Support Agency Act 2001. Proposals are being developed at present for the extension of freedom of information to other appropriate bodies by the end of 2005. The extension of freedom of information to the Family Support Agency is being considered in this context.
