Bannon – Freedom of Information Bill 2013 to bring transparency and Reform to government

Fine Gael TD, for LONGFORD/WESTMEATH James Bannon, has welcomed the Freedom of Information Bill 2013.  The Bill seeks to restore FOI legislation to its pre-2003 state and to extend its remit to all public bodies, subject to some exemptions. This bill is hugely important on the basis that it will bring about transparency and reform to our institutions.

Speaking in the Dáil today Deputy Bannon stated “Under the 2011 ‘Programme for Government’ this government committed to introducing Freedom of Information reform legislation, to restore the FOI Act to its pre-2003 status and to extend its remit to other public bodies including the administrative side of the Garda Síochána. A commitment was also given to extend the Act to ensure that all statutory bodies and bodies significantly funded from the public purse are covered.

“This legislation brings a whole raft of public bodies under the ambit of FOI for the first time, including, Nama, the Central Bank, and the National Treasury Management Agency and as already mentioned An Garda Síochána.

“In 1997, under the Fine Gael lead rainbow coalition, the Freedom of Information Act was brought into law. At the time, the enactment of this bill was seen as the key to delivering openness and transparency in Government.

“In April 2003, the Act was amended.  Key changes made by the amendment Act 2003 were the: Extension of the period of protection for Government records from five to ten years; Mandatory protection of Government records or records to be submitted to Government; and Full protection of communications between Ministers relating to issues under consideration by the Government.

“The 2003 changes were made to the Act by the then Fianna Fail led Government who were determined to bring back the shroud of secrecy that had hidden away the dealings of their government.

“The introduction of fees in particular, was predicted to result in fewer FOI requests. A substantial drop in FOI usage after the introduction of the 2003 Act did in fact arise, attributed in the main to the introduction of fees.

“The Freedom of Information Bill 2013 seeks to restore FOI legislation to its pre-2003 status and to extend its remit to all public bodies, subject to some exemptions.

“Citizens, as shareholders in public bodies, should have the right to examine and review the deliberations and processes of public bodies.”