The information age not the dark ages

I HAVE read the recent reports on the proposed restrictions on the Freedom of Information Act and consider them to be an extremely backward step.

I would like to think that we as a society have moved on from the dark ages and the censorship era. When this important piece of legislation was introduced, it was in my view a defining moment in the democratisation of the public function. It provided every citizen and not just the journalists or indeed trade unionists with a means to hold Government and the public sector accountable for their actions.

How can the Government be serious in relation to their commitment to social and economic partnership when the rights of citizens are going to be trampled upon in such an arrogant fashion?

The Freedom of Information Act, more than any other piece of legislation introduced over the last decade, has opened up the operation of Government to its citizens. This Act should be defended, and any attempt to curtail it must be opposed by those of us who are committed to the principles of democracy.

Gerry Wilson,

Vice-President,

Prison Officers Association,

18, Merrion Square,

Dublin 2.