Freedom of Information requests about the Taoiseach have halved since the Government tightened regulations and introduced fees, the Dail heard today.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern told TDs that since the introduction in 2003 of a €15 initial fee, the 142 FOI requests received by his department that year fell to 45 in 2004 and 61 in 2005.
Mr Ahern was replying to Greens leader Trevor Sargent during Priority Questions in the Dail chamber.
Sinn Fein's Dail leader, Caoimhghin O Caolain asked why some requests were refused on the basis that replies would compromise the security of the state.
The total number of requests refused for unspecified reasons in 2003 was 11, seven in 2004 and four in 2005.
Mr Ahern replied: "The Freedom of Information Acts 1997 and 2003 established an independent process for consideration of freedom of information requests. I have no role in how the provisions of the Acts are applied in specific instances.
"While I am pleased to provide general statistical information about the operation of freedom of information in my department, it would be inappropriate for me to discuss the outcome of specific requests or to answer questions about how the provisions were applied in any specific area.
"To do so would undermine the independence of decision makers and may be prejudicial to the conduct of the appeals processes provided for in the Acts."