This is a list of items we wish to see implemented. It is not complete, and will be added to. We are inspired by projects such as Public Equals Online and wish to see such initiatives happen here.
1) Return the Freedom of Information Act to its position pre the 2003 amendments. Do not charge the public to access information we already pay to collect and store.
2) Extend the Act to cover more institutions and organisations, especially An Garda Siochana.
3) The placing of all expenses online as soon as practically possible after the incurring of those expenses. This could be easily done given the IT system in use already. “The backend is the frontend.” This is not just politician expenses, but all expenses.
4) The digitisation of far more Government data than is currently available. This might include simple machine readable feeds. This helps with a thing called transparency.
Just came across your site after linking from the Ireland Subreddit. I’m 30ish, Irish and shocked these things aren’t already in place. I’d just like to say well done and keep up the good work. These are excellent goals, and a nice simple site.
What about party donations and funding?
I too would like to see so many organisations active in public life be made accountable and transparent in their dealings with the public.
Organisations in receipt of public money should be accountable, particularly charities and groups taking funding directly from tax payers.
At present there appears to be little accountability as so many of these groups are outside the remit of FOI.
Just another busybody wil little to do. More time will be spent combing through old records just to satisfy curiousity of outfits like this, rather than delivering services. In a time of limited resources, you cannot have it both ways, delivery of services or spend your time navel gazing -Which is it to be.
Another question -what is this guy’s agenda, all these people prattling on about accountability, they often have hidden and self-serving agenda’s when all the dust is wiped away.
I agree entirely with the FoI goals, but I would go much further
as I set out here
http://politicalreform.ie/2010/06/21/freedom-of-information-and-corruption/
Our Goals
Aspirations and having goals are all excellent moral exercises.
That is the what ? part.
Is there a how chapter?
A plan of action?
May I suggest the simple route of forming an interest group and lobbying political support.
Transparency.? No governments/politicians like the concept.
I agree with Donal Buckley about forming an interest group and lobbying political support. Information and Transparency is the first step to reform.
Fantastic work. Well done so far and best wishes for your future success. Your initiative is vital.