Accountability - Revised act is central to reform plans

Speaking in Limerick last week, Brendan Howlin, the public expenditure and reform minister, said that 70 public or semi-State bodies, including An Garda Síochána and Nama, will be covered by revised Freedom of Information legislation under preparation.

The review was promised during the 2011 election campaign and is intended to restore the act to something approaching its original robustness. It is also intended to better reflect the spirit of that legislation.

Early indications are positive, though it remains to be seen if the legislation will be as powerful, especially in relation to the gardaí or Nama, as Mr Howlin has suggested. It may be wise to wait until revised legislation is enacted before the issue can be filed under the “election promises delivered” heading. However, any retreat from last week’s suggestions would be very disappointing.