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Sunday 28 May 2023 Dublin: 11°C

# Transparency

All time
# Transparency
The government asked Facebook for details of 40 users so far this year
In its first ever transparency report, Facebook said it received more than 25,000 requests from governments around the world about users’ information.
# Waiting Lists
Waiting lists for individual consultants could soon be online
Health Minister Reilly has also announced plans for free GP care for children.
Voices
Column: The family home needs to be protected in a debt crisis
The banks are not looking at the long-term resolutions strategies for homeowners in debt; the only available strategies are limited to those that that suit bank recovery, writes Julie Sadlier.
# Freedom of Information
Cabinet papers from 2008 set to become available
Changes to Freedom of Information (FOI) rules mean government deliberations from five-years-ago will be available on request.
# Houses of Oireachtas
The Dáil and Seanad sat for 1,699 hours and cost €105.5 million last year
The Houses of the Oireachtas Commission has published its annual report today with some interesting numbers on how the Dáil compares to other parliaments…
Voices
Column: With public trust in the EU declining, we need to ensure people feel connected
A forward and outward looking European Union is what we need, writes Dominic Hannigan TD, who says national parliaments should have an enhanced role in shaping the future of the EU.
# G8
Kenny and Obama to discuss EU presidency and bailout, but not Ireland's tax regime
Taoiseach Enda Kenny will arrive in Fermanagh later today, where he is expected to hold talks with the US president.
# Planning
New regulator 'will restore confidence in planning system'
The establishment of such a regulator was recommended in the Mahon Tribunal’s report.
Voices
Column: Lobbying has become 'a dirty word'. We want to change that
The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Brendan Howlin, explains the reasoning behind the government’s new plans to regulate lobbying and restore public faith in a vital activity.
# Transparency
Former politicians will face temporary ban on lobbying under new rules
Proposals approved by ministers will enforce a legal “cooling-off” period for former office holders going into lobbying.
# ECB
Noonan denies ECB instruction to refuse information about IBRC
The finance minister says the ECB has not told Ireland to refuse Freedom of Information requests about the IBRC wind-up.
Voices
Column: Secrecy has led to shameful practices in Ireland - whistle-blower law is needed now
If the economic downturn has taught us anything, it is the importance of exposing systemic wrong doing, writes Louise Bayliss.
Voices
Column: It’s time to scrap the 30-year rule on State documents
Slashing the time these crucial records stay secret would help the cause for transparency, writes Labour TD Anne Ferris.
Voices
Column: The Frontline debacle shows we need an independent debates commission
TV debates are important – and proper independent oversight would help build trust in our elections, writes Michael Moynihan TD.
Voices
Reply: Our parliamentary process is open and accessible
Mark Mulqueen, Head of Communication in the Houses of the Oireachtas, writes.
# Transparency
Taxpayers could find out what their money is spent on by next year
Legislation which would provide the taxpayer with a detailed statement of how much tax they paid and where it was spent by the government is being debated in the Dáil today.
# Ireland Stat
Government launches performance measure website
How is Ireland doing? The Government has launched a pilot performance measurement website Ireland Stat to answer that question.
# Transparency
Ireland failing to tackle corruption, claims report
Media plurality, a regulator for charities and transparency in how people are appointed to State bodies all issues highlighted by Transparency International Ireland.
Voices
Column: Politicians have no place in deciding who gets freed from prison
Our early release system badly needs an overhaul, writes Liam Herrick of the Irish Penal Reform Trust.
Voices
Column: A new way to ask TDs questions – and get a direct answer
Launching this week, the DáilWatch project will allow Irish citizens to communicate directly with politicians, explains Sarah O’Neill.
# Transparency
Information Commissioner welcomes Freedom of Information reform
However Emily O’Reilly said “the devil will be in the detail” when the new legislation is published.
# Transparency
Banks could be subject to Freedom of Information requests under new regime
New Freedom of Information laws may see non-public bodies which get public support – like banks – subject to requests.
# Transparency
Friday Dáil sees bipartisanship as Govt supports FOI legislation
The Fianna Fáil-proposed legislation would see the Central Bank, NAMA and the Gardaí brought under the scope of the Freedom of Information Act.
# non-profit
Non-profit transparency database to close due to lack of funding
The database collected information and funding, salaries and spending in non-profits and charities.
# Open government
Website needed for disclosure of lobbyists' meetings with policy makers
Transparency International Ireland has reacted to a report in today’s Irish Times outlining proposed laws that will force lobbyists to disclose their contacts with politicians and senior civil servants.
# Transparency
Google reports 'alarming' surge in content-removal requests by governments
The company’s latest Transparency Report reveals requests from authorities in France, Germany the UK and US – but none in Ireland.
Voices
Column: Corruption has played a starring role in Ireland's economic crisis
The countries suffering the most from the economic turmoil in Europe all have major problems with corruption, writes Nuala Haughey.
# Transparency
Ombudsman still waiting for NAMA, Gardaí and Central Bank to be brought into FOI Act
Emily O’Reilly wants more public bodies to be brought within the scope of the Freedom of Information Act.
# Transparency
Taoiseach ‘will consider’ streaming meetings of IFSC management group
Enda Kenny will consider proposals from a Labour backbencher to bring transparency to the group overseeing the IFSC.
# Transparency
Change to TDs’ expenses reduces chance of similar phone expenses exposé
Reform of the Oireachtas expenses rules in March 2010 means reportage on fraudulent mobile phone expenses can’t be repeated.
# Property Prices
Real sale prices of houses to be published - Shatter
The Minister for Justice has announced a new property regulatory body which will provide more transparency to the property market.
# Transparency
FG backbencher preparing 'tax transparency' bill to show where money goes
Eoghan Murphy wants to follow the lead of the UK, where each taxpayer is being given a breakdown of their tax spending.
# Transparency
Chairman opposes making NAMA subject to Freedom of Information laws
Frank Daly tells an Oireachtas committee that requiring full transparency would compromise NAMA’s commercial objectives.
# Spending
The Secret Service, centenarian bounty and cherished numbers: more on Howlin's report cards
Some of the more interesting items found in Brendan Howlin’s financial report cards.
Voices
Column: Why should our government have the right to hide from its citizens?
Our leaders are spending our money in our names, writes Aaron McKenna – so why won’t they let us know how?
Voices
Column: Pity Kevin Cardiff – he never signed up for public scrutiny
Cardiff’s humiliation at the EU was a rare example of political transparency – something our civil servants are far from familiar with, writes Aaron McKenna.
Voices
Column: Politicians dressing up as pirates? It might just work…
Ireland might be getting a new president, but our political system still has deep flaws. A group of German ‘pirates’ could be showing us the way, writes Fergal Browne.
# Transparency
Pivotal ruling may subject Nama to information requests
The highly secretive National Assets Management Agency may be laid open to information inquiries following a landmark ruling by the Information Commissioner – which could also potentially impact companies like Anglo Irish Bank.