Mr Martin Cullen, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Finance, today announced the Government decision to extend the remit of Freedom of Information to a significant range of bodies during 2002.

The proposed bodies and the indicative timetable for their coming within the remit of the Freedom of Information Act are set out in the attached list.

"This latest extension, coupled with the proposed inclusion of third level colleges under the remit of FOI in October this year, demonstrates my own and the Government's
commitment to the continued extension of FOI to public sector bodies", said the Minister.

"By the end of 2002 more than 366 bodies will be subject to the Freedom of Information Act", the Minister concluded.

Ends. 26.9.01

For further information contact Lynda Hendley, OPW Press Officer, (01) 6476128/086-8204212


Date Bodies

1 June, 2002

Bodies in the Arts/Cultural Area
National Concert Hall

Chester Beatty Library

Irish Museum of Modern Art

Irish Film Board

Board na Leabhair Gaeilge



Bodies in the Justice Area
Legal Aid Board

Victim Support

National Disability Authority

National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism



Bodies under the aegis of the Department of Foreign Affairs
National Committee for Development Education

Agency for Personal Services Overseas



Bodies under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach
National Economic and Social Council

National Economic and Social Forum

National Centre for Partnership and Performance

National Statistics Board

Information Society Commission

Date Bodies
1 November, 2002
Bodies in the Marine and Natural Resources Area
Board Iascaigh Mhara

Central Fisheries Board

Regional Fisheries Board (7)

Marine Institute



Bodies under the aegis of the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation
Board Fáilte

ADM Limited

CERT



Bodies under the aegis of the Department of the Environment and Local Government
Dublin Transportation Office

Housing Finance Agency

National Roads Authority

Rent Tribunal



Bodies under the aegis of the Department of Finance
NDP/CSF Evaluation Unit

NDP/CSF Information Unit

ERDF and Cohesion Fund Financial Control Unit



Bodies under the aegis of the Department of Agriculture, Food & Rural Development
An Bord Bia

An Bord Glas

The Irish Horse Racing Authority

The National Milk Agency

Teagasc

The Irish National Stud

Bord na gCon

Western Development Commission



Other bodies are being considered for inclusion under the remit of the Freedom of Information Act at this stage.