Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 10 Jul 1997

Vol. 480 No. 3

Written Answers - Freedom of Information Act.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

56 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Finance the arrangements, if any, which are being put in place for the implementation of the Freedom of Information Act; the Department which will be responsible for the implementation of the Act; if the deadlines for the introduction of the provisions of the Act set by the previous Government will be adhered to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14100/97]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

The Freedom of Information Act was passed into law on 21 April 1997. The Act will commence for Government Departments and certain other public bodies on 21 April 1998, i.e. 12 months from enactment as provided for in section 1 (2) of the Act. Each individual Department and public body must ensure that the rights conferred by the Freedom of Information Act can be exercised fully and effectively by citizens, clients and customers of their services from the date of commencement.

To assist Departments and other public bodies in their preparations for meeting the requirements of the legislation, a central policy unit was established in my Department. This unit is now leading the implementation process and providing ongoing advice and support to public bodies in their general preparations for commencement of the legislation. In addition, by working with Departments through a high level interdepartmental working group, key issues are being addressed so as to ensure its effective application in areas such as: the provision of training for freedom of information; guidance in relation to key publications required under sections 15 and 16 of the Act; and improvement in systems for managing information so as to respond efficiently to Freedom of Information requests.

Arrangements are also in progress for the establishment of the Office of the Information Commissioner who will undertake a key role in relation to appeals under the legislation.

Given the extensive range of preparations now in train, I am fully confident that the deadlines for the introduction of the provisions of the Act, as set by the Oireachtas, will be adhered to.