INFORMATION COMMISSIONER Emily O'Reilly has directed the Department of the Taoiseach to release secret Cabinet documents over the period 2002-2007 relating to Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions.
In response to an appeal by Gary Fitzgerald, a Green Party candidate for Dublin City Council, Ms O'Reilly said the department had not pointed to any case law or other material to override the EU directive on freedom of access to information on the environment.
Welcoming her decision as a "landmark ruling", Mr Fitzgerald said its effect was dramatic as it "sets aside the constitutionally enshrined doctrine of Cabinet confidentiality" and gives the public access to certain Cabinet documents "as soon as they are produced".
The decision would benefit those looking for political accountability and proper environmental protection, he said.
"Information on waste management, climate change and issues such as emissions from the transportation sector must now all be released."
Mr Fitzgerald made his request for information on greenhouse gas emissions in March 2007.
The Department of the Taoiseach initially refused the request, and after an unsuccessful internal review, Mr Fitzgerald appealed the decision to the Information Commissioner.
"Cabinet confidentiality only serves to mystify government. I strongly believe that all Cabinet documents should be made available to the public. In Sweden, minutes of Cabinet meetings are posted on the internet the day after the meetings," he said.
