The Taoiseach said in his reply to Deputy Martin that where there is public ownership there should be no secrecy and that the Irish people have a right to know. Before the Freedom of Information Bill is finalised, can the Taoiseach ensure there will be total access to information on all aspects of all public bodies?

The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, has been very forthright about the freedom of information legislation and how it applies. It is now extended even to the Garda Síochána, except for matters in respect of which national security issues might be compromised. It is an opportunity to bring areas of Irish life under the freedom of information legislation that were not included previously. I expect that, with exceptions for particular reasons, the legislation will apply in respect of information for the public as it should.