Vol. 502 No. 4
52 Mr. O'Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the proposals, if any, she has to consult with the Department of Finance regarding the inclusion of FÁS in the operation of the Freedom of Information Act, 1997; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8343/99]
70 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the proposals, if any, she has to consult with the Department of Finance regarding the inclusion of FÁS in the operations of the Freedom of Information Act, 1997 [8001/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 70 together.
The Freedom of Information Act commenced from 21 April 1998 in relation to central Government Departments and those other bodies specifically listed in the First Schedule to the Act.
In principle, I am in favour of extending the operation of the Act to all bodies under the aegis of my Department. This will, however, have to be done on a phased basis. It is my intention to consult in due course with the Minister for Finance on the most appropriate manner to achieve this.
