NUJ To Discuss Changes To FOI Legislation In Ireland

The NUJ will appear before a parliamentary committee on today, Wednesday 6 February, to discuss major changes to freedom of information legislation in Ireland.

The Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform will hear a submission which broadly welcomes legislation to reverse changes to the original legislation brought in by the Fianna Fáil/PD coaliaiton.

The NUJ led opposition to the changes and the new Bill is a significant step for advocated of open government.

Irish Secretary Seamus Dooley will be introduced by IEC Cathaoirleach Gerry Curran and the committee will question NUJ members and prominent journalists Emma O’Kelly, RTÉ, Michael Brennan, Irish Independent and Ken Foxe, Irish Mail on Sunday and acknowledged as one of the most prolific and efficient users of the FOI Act. Also attending will be RTÉ Trade Union Group Vice Chair Colm O Mongain, a leading broadcaster with RTÉ.

Séamus Dooley, NUJ Irish Secretary, said: "Freedom of Information is an ethos rather than an administrative mechanism and in that context the total abolition of fees would be out preferred option.

"The current fee structure - and the insistence on upfront payments, is a particular disincentive to freelance journalists and small independent media companies.

"Our members across the regional and national media - print, electronic, online, at regional and national level report that FOI requests are simply unaffordable. There is also a belief that the fee structure is designed as a way of discouraging requests.

"We welcome the major improvements, including the extension of the Act to include the police and major State financial institutions but legislation change must be accompanied by an ethos of open government. Legislation alone cannot achieve that."

(CD/GK)