It is an honour for me, as Minister of State with special responsibility for Freedom of Information, to be here to mark the commencement of the Act. Of these, the right of access to information is vital.
Exemptions are generally subject to an injury or public interest test.
Publications are required by each public body so as to inform the public on its structure and organisation and the records each holds. In addition the public will be informed on the internal rules and procedures used in decision making. There is a legal obligation on officials to help members of the public who are seeking information. There is a powerful independent appeals system to resolve disputes between citizens and public bodies fairly and free of charge. In summary, the rights conferred by the Act, its underlying presumptions in favour of the citizen, and its explicit obligations on public bodies guarantee real change for the ways in which public business will be carried out for the future.