Ireland and the Freedom of Information Act

The introduction of FOI in Ireland was a watershed moment in Irish democracy. It gave citizens a right to know, and abolished eighty years of official secrecy that had existed since the foundation of the State. As the new 2014 FOI Act is extended to the gardai and the Central Bank for the first time, this book critically examines the important contribution the legislation has made to the opening up of Irish democracy and society.

The book traces Ireland's experience of FOI legislation, from the first FOI Act in 1997, to the amendments that significantly constrained its provisions in 2003, to the new legislation that came into force in 2015. It examines FOI from a series of perspectives, including from a state perspective, looking at the balance between keeping the State's secrets and keeping the government accountable; from a media perspective; and from a citizen's perspective, using FOI to develop active citizenship and engagement. Finally, the book assesses the extent to which FOI contributes to political reform.

This volume will be an essential primary reference point for information about FOI in Ireland. As such, it will be of interest to anyone with an interest in understanding how Irish democracy works and what tools are available to examine it. It will be a core text for higher level students of politics, law, journalism and media studies; and will be an important reference for policy makers and civil and public servants.

Contributors include Ombudsman and Information Commissioner Peter Tyndall, former minister Eithne FitzGerald and RTE journalist Richard Dowling.

Maura Adshead is Senior Lecturer in Politics and Public Administration in the Department of Politics and Public Administration at University of Limerick

Tom Felle is Acting Director of Newspaper Journalism at the Department of Journalism at City University London