This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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FOI 'delivering benefits'
02/02/2005
Freedom of Information is starting to deliver benefits for the people of Scotland, Minister for Parliamentary Business Margaret Curran said today.
The Freedom of Information Scotland Act only came fully into force on January 1 and the Scottish Executive and other Scottish public authorities have received requests for a wide range of information.
Ms Curran said:
"Freedom of Information is working in Scotland. Already we are seeing a more proactive and open approach to the publication of the wealth of information held by the 10,000 or so Scottish public authorities which are covered by the Act.
"And we are already seeing public authorities release a wide range of information which has never before seen the light of day in response to requests from journalists and individuals."
For example, the Scottish Executive has released:
- The contract for the building of the Skye Bridge;
- Details of PR companies and public affairs agencies hired by the Scottish Executive;
- Details of spending on media training for Ministers and officials;
- Material about Scottish Executive administration matters, including the use of temporary staff;
- Correspondence between the Scottish Executive and the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration relating to Persistent Offender data; and
- Correspondence between the UK Government and the Scottish Executive on Fresh Talent.
Ms Curran added:
"I am pleased to see immediate benefits from the legislation, but the real value of the new rights and obligations will need to be judged in the longer term.
"I want people in communities across Scotland to use their new rights, and the information which public authorities publish proactively, to find out more about the issues that affect or interest them. FoI is not just about central government but it also gives people the opportunity to find out more about their local school, hospital or council.
"I believe our FoI legislation is one of the most significant commitments to openness and transparency in public service that Scotland has ever seen, and I am sure that public bodies will embrace the opportunities it offers and work in partnership with the people of Scotland to deliver the new open culture of governance it embodies."