Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 1 Jul 2003

Vol. 570 No. 2

Written Answers. - Freedom of Information.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

162 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of freedom of information requests received by her Department during each month from January 2002 to June 2003; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18614/03]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney):

Since January 2002 my Department has received the following numbers of freedom of information requests per month:

2002

January	18
February	20
March	14
April	12
May	16
June	18
July	12
August	11
September	12
October	30
November	21
December	20

2003

January	20
February	19
March	34
April	13
May	16
June	18*

*To 27 June 2003

The number of requests can vary significantly from month to month, but I am committed to ensuring that my Department provides a high level of service to freedom of information requesters. This is achieved by ensuring that all decision-makers and appeals officers are properly trained by having quality information technology systems in place to track requests and by the provision of a dedicated FOI unit to provide support and quality control. Additionally, a considerable amount of information is provided outside of FOI through my Department's website and other channels. One of the most recent initiatives on this front is the publication, on the web, of details of work permits issued to individual companies. My Department will continue its proactive stance regarding the release of information outside of FOI.