Michael Finucane
Ceist:67 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has issued guidelines on a widespread basis on citizens' rights in relation to his Department under the Freedom of Information Act, 1997. [11110/98]
Written Answers. - Freedom of Information Act.
The Freedom of Information Act commenced on 21 April 1998. The Deputy will be aware that my Department, together with other public bodies which come within the scope of the Act from its commencement, were obliged to publish, by that date, extensive information under sections 15 and 16 of the Act, relating to organisational functions, practices and records.
The section 15 and section 16 reference books for my Department were completed in advance of the commencement date of the Act and copies were distributed to each library within the public library network. The publications are also available on the Internet website of my Department and from all offices of my Department from where the public may obtain them free of charge. It is intended that the reference books will be distributed to the citizen information centres in the near future. In addition, a standard information leaflet on the Act has been distributed to my Department's offices from where it may be obtained by members of the public.