Austin Deasy
Ceist:111 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Finance the reason fishery boards are excluded from the Freedom of Information Act, 1997; and if he will amend the legislation to ensure they are included. [15385/01]
Written Answers. - Freedom of Information Act.
The fishery boards are not currently covered by the Freedom of Information Act and no specific date has been set for their inclusion.
The remit of the Freedom of Information Act is being extended on an incremental basis. In addition to those bodies specified within the Act, dozens of other public bodies have been brought into FOI by way of secondary legislation. Deputies will be aware that preparations are under way to bring further bodies within the Act in 2001. In addition, Departments generally are being consulted in relation to further extensions of FOI beyond those already decided upon. The fishery boards are being considered for inclusion in the context of those consultations.