Secrecy period doubled for Govt records

Government documents are to remain secret for twice as long under a tightening up of laws announced today.

Cabinet records will only be available for viewing after 10 years, rather than the current five-year period.

Communications between ministers on matters relating to Government business will also be protected for 10 years.

The news came as Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy announced changes to the existing Freedom of Information Bill.

Revealing that the protection of Cabinet records will be extended from five to 10 years, Mr McCreevy said Ireland had one of the shortest periods of exemption for Government records.

He said the new 10-year period recommended by a review group was reasonable.

“The Government studied the group’s report and drew up the Bill in the light of their advice,” he said.

“Even with the changes proposed in the Bill, Ireland will still have a very liberal regime by international standards.

“Records other than those dealing with Government business which are open to the public now will still be open in future.”

He said that while the Freedom of Information Act was important, the Government had to be able to carry out its business in an efficient and orderly way in the interest of the whole community.

“I do not believe that it is in the public interest that documents about Government decisions on important issues are released before a sufficient period of time has elapsed,” he said.

“Otherwise the only effect is to undermine the workings of Government.

“Like all organisations which have the right to decide how to carry out their business, Government is no different.

“Our work is very complex. In taking decisions on important economic and social issues, the Government has to look at different alternatives and approaches.

“It has to debate these freely and reach a decision on behalf of the community. For this process to work effectively, records relating to Government business need to be properly protected.”

Other changes include protecting records relating to the work of tribunals and public inquiries, parliamentary documents and papers, and records dealing with international relations.

From now on a fee will also be required if people wish to gain information through the Act.

Mr McCreevy said the Bill would enable the Government to do its business properly while still giving people access to information.