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Freedom of Information

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 June 2021

Thursday, 17 June 2021

Questions (118)

Gerald Nash

Question:

118. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to enhance freedom of information legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32343/21]

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Written answers

It is important to acknowledge from the outset that by any objective measure the Freedom of Information system as it stands appears to be operating effectively and delivering on its goal of openness, transparency and accountability for public bodies.

The volume of requests processed annually by public bodies has almost doubled since the introduction of the 2014 Freedom of Information Act. In 2019, the last year for which statistics are available, FOI bodies in Ireland processed 41,176 requests, once more setting a record for the greatest number of requests processed annually, and representing an increase of 8% on the previous year. 87% of the requests that were decided on in 2019 were granted in full or in part.

In addition, it should be noted in any given year approximately 60% of requests are from the general public for personal information relating to them, such as medical or social welfare files. No fee applies to this class of request at any stage, and in most years such requests tend to be fully granted in well over 90% of cases. Comprehensive review mechanisms are available under the Freedom of Information Act where a requester is dissatisfied with the decision they receive. It is noteworthy that, in 2019, only 3% of requesters sought an internal review of an FOI decision, while just 1% of requesters went on to apply for an independent review with the Office of the Information Commissioner.

However, while objective indications are that the system as it stands is robust and functioning well, that is not to say that it could not be further improved. Given that almost 7 years have passed since the enactment of the 2014 Act, I believe that a review of the legislation would now be timely.

I believe there is scope for a careful and thorough appraisal of the system as it stands, as well as a wide-ranging consideration of where we might go from here. Submissions will be sought in due course from stakeholders across the system, in particular from the general public. I look forward to considering any observations the Deputy might wish to make as the review progresses.

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