From the outset, I wish to welcome the Deputy's ongoing interest in the Freedom of Information Act and related issues. Since the last questions she asked on this topic, having considered the issues, I have directed my Officials to commence work on a comprehensive review of the FOI legislation.
In relation to the costing of FOI, the position remains as stated in my previous response to a similar question from the Deputy. While preparatory work was undertaken by my Officials on such a project, and a methodology was developed, the project was put on hold due to the onset of the pandemic. However, I anticipate that costing FOI will form part of the review process that my Department is undertaking.
My Department will shortly publish a road-map setting out the review process and anticipated time-frames.
Similarly, issues around the bodies that are covered by the legislation may form part of the review. However, I would highlight that in fact the material scope of the legislation as it stands is very extensive, with approximately 600 bodies covered. Moreover, the legislation provides that FOI applies where a public body engages a contractor, even where the contractor rather than the body may have physical custody of the records concerned.
With that said, while in my view the FOI system as it stands is robust and provides a solid footing from which to move forward, I welcome the opportunity to consider any proposals as to how the legislation might be improved. I look forward to considering the Deputy's input as the review process moves forward.
