Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 April 2021
36. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he and or his officials have undertaken and or completed work on a project and or research regarding the cost of freedom of information for public bodies; and if he will provide this Deputy with the report or research undertaken regarding this work. [22466/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraEstimating the cost of FOI for public bodies is something that has proven difficult in all jurisdictions that have attempted it.
A project seeking detailed information on FOI requests processed in the state was commenced in 2016, in terms of the time taken by officials at various grades, however this project was discontinued in early 2017 as it was found to be unduly administratively burdensome.
Following this, consultations were undertaken with stakeholder organisations as to whether a more streamlined and efficient methodology could be used, and a potential approach was devised. The project was at a fairly advanced stage of development when the Covid-19 crisis intervened. At present, this initiative has been paused in order to avoid creating a further administrative burden for bodies that are already under significant pressure in ensuring the continuity of FOI services in the face of unprecedented disruption and high levels of demand.
However, it is proposed to restart this project as soon as the circumstances permit. If the Deputy wishes to contact the Central Policy Unit for Freedom of Information at my Department, further specific details can be provided.
