Gardai 'should be subject to FoI Act'

Information Commissioner Kevin Murphy has urged the Government to make An Garda Siochana subject to the Freedom of Information Act as a matter or urgency.

In his final report before retiring from office next month, Mr Murphy said he believed information held by all public bodies should be released to the public to the greatest extent possible.

He said that, given restriction on information relating to security, defence and international relations, the Gardai should be made subject to the FoI Act without delay.

Mr Murphy did not criticise the Government's recent decision to severely restrict the freedom of information legislation, saying discussion would be pointless as the amendments introduced by the Fianna Fail-Progressive Democrats coalition last month were now law.