Annual Report 2008 - Text

Impact of FOI in the Public Domain in 2008

I believe that 2008 was a year in which FOI had a more obvious impact on public life than has been the case in recent years. Particularly in the latter half of the year, scarcely a day went by without media stories referencing the results of FOI requests. While some might pay lip service to the ideals of openness and transparency, there were times during 2008 when we saw FOI make a significant impact. Unfortunately much of what was revealed did not show public bodies in a positive light. That, in itself, is evidence that FOI is working. The fact that release of, for example, the travel costs incurred by executives in FÁS, the State Training and Employment Authority would embarrass the individuals involved is not a reason that justifies withholding the information under the FOI Act. The debate around the release of the records and the repercussions for some of the people involved proves yet again that FOI is, indeed, a necessary part of the democratic process.

As economic difficulties became more apparent, I noticed what I believe is a more targeted approach by the media and various interest groups in regard to FOI usage. The results of the FOI usage, focusing not just on travel expenses, but on budgetary cut backs and value for money issues throughout the public sector included:

  • a plan within the HSE to divert spending from the government's mental health strategy to meet deficits in other areas
  • the extent of departments' spending on advertising, public relations and other private consultants
  • details of construction industry contacts with the Department of Finance in relation to 'fixed price' contracts for infrastructure projects
  • discussions between the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism about possible tightening up of the artists' tax exemption scheme.
In addition, the spotlight continued to be shone on areas of the health and education services with stories on cancer care and the school building programme emerging regularly from FOI requests.

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