Email publication
Micheál Martin pressed the Taoiseach to publish an email, saying it had been refused to the media and should not be withheld under FOI. The Taoiseach said he would examine why it had not been released and could not yet commit to publication.
In relation to the email, I confirm that it has not been published. It has been refused to the media. We are also awaiting a reply to a parliamentary question we had to table just to get a copy of it. The Taoiseach has a habit of muddying the waters. The email has not been published and I want it to be as we are entitled to see it. For the record, I have confirmed with Deputy Donnelly that it has not been published. Will the Taoiseach commit to publishing it?
Comment on this
I will have to look into the issue. The email is from over a year ago and I do not know why it has not been released. Usually such documentation is released under freedom of information legislation within months, rather than years-----
Comment on this
It should not be a matter of freedom of information legislation.
Comment on this
-----unless there is a particular reason it has not been released. I cannot commit to the email's publication as there may well be a reason it has not been released. It was sent after the announcement and was not to the Minister. The content may have been shared with the Deputy, perhaps through a reply to a parliamentary question.