Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
494. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide an update on his plans for the reform of the FOI system; the progress that has been made on implementing the recommendations from the last FOI review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34890/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraA comprehensive review of the FOI regime has been undertaken and the compilation of its findings and recommendations is nearing completion.
The review commenced with a scoping exercise that sought the views of stakeholders across all sectors in setting the direction of the review. It then included a customer satisfaction survey as well as a full public consultation around the themes identified in the earlier stage. This was supplemented by engagement with key stakeholders and a review of international approaches to FOI, seeking to identify best practices and innovations globally.
Since the introduction of the updated legislation in 2014, there has been a large increase in FOI usage. As it stands, approximately four out of every five requests are granted, indicating that the system as a whole is working well. Reviews are available where a requester is dissatisfied with the outcome of their request, however, these are availed of in approximately 3% of cases annually. An independent review by the Information Commissioner is sought in just over 1% of cases. Key indicators remain consistent from year to year.
This does not mean that there is no room for improvement or that satisfaction levels are universally high across all aspects of the regime. The review has sought to identify opportunities to update the system and to deliver transparency in more effective and cost-efficient ways.
I expect to receive the report of the review in the coming weeks. In the event that amending legislation is required on foot of the report, this will be progressed together with other recommendations in due course.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
