As part of an ongoing process we are obtaining Cabinet records from 1998, 1999 and 2000. These records became available following the expiry of the 10 year rule under Section 19 of the FOI Act, as amended in 2003 (the amendment lengthened the time for release from 5 to 10 years, first making records available in 2008).
This record contains briefing papers for then Taoiseach Bertie Ahern from late May, June and July 1998. We currently have an appeal pending with the Information Commissioner in relation to how information from 12 years ago is redacted – and whether exemptions, such as commercial sensitivity, could still apply. We expect this decision in the near future.
It is also worth noting that prior to the FOI Act, the following papers would have only become available on January 1, 2029, as per the 30 year rule.
Previously:
There is quite a bit in this about setting up the SIPO Act. worth reading c p50-60
interesting comments on tax certs…particularly in light of what happend to Bertie in 2008.