Irish Water freedom of information
Sean Fleming asks when Irish Water and possibly EirGrid will be covered by freedom of information legislation. The Taoiseach confirms Irish Water will be included, with the timing and legislative route to be settled promptly.
The Taoiseach gave a commitment that Irish Water would be included under freedom of information legislation.
Comment on this
This has nothing to do with Fianna Fáil Private Members' legislation. The Taoiseach has given a commitment to include Irish Water under freedom of information legislation.
Comment on this
That is welcome and I also welcome the change in approach. When the freedom of information legislation was discussed in the House prior to Christmas, the Minister rejected this approach. When will legislation be published to cover Irish Water?
Second, legislation relating to EirGrid is promised. Will a similar provision be made to include the company under freedom of information legislation?
Comment on this
In respect of the first question, I am glad to note that the Minister confirmed that Irish Water would be included under the Freedom of Information Acts. The Deputy will be aware that Report Stage of the Freedom of Information Bill 2013 is awaited. The question is whether one includes the company under that Bill or under the original Act. I have spoken to the Minister about this and it might be more amenable to do the latter but he will make his choice on that and deal with it quickly. Irish Water will, therefore, be included under the Freedom of Information Acts. The Minister is responsible for that and I will convey the Deputy's thoughts to him about EirGrid.