Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 December 2023
458. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department is aware of a confidentiality clause being signed within Waterways Ireland (details supplied); if this process is legal, given public money funds Waterways Ireland; if this development will be subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55352/23]
View answerWaterways Ireland is a North South Body responsible for the management and maintenance of more than 1000km of Ireland's inland waterways. They include the Shannon, Shannon Erne Waterway, Erne System, the Barrow, the Royal and Grand Canals and the Lower Bann Navigation. It is funded by my Department and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland.
The information requested is not held in my Department, however arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The contact email address for Waterways Ireland is ceoffice@waterwaysireland.org
Waterways Ireland operates under the Freedom of Information Code of Practice which applies to North South Bodies. The primary objective of the Code is to facilitate access by members of the public to information held by such Bodies. The rights to request and access information are subject to certain exemptions set out in the Code. Further information is available on the Waterways Ireland website at www.waterwaysireland.org/freedom-of-information.
