Madam - In the debates over the Freedom of Information Act and its recent restrictions, no mention appears to have been made of the European Directive that assures access to such information when it relates to the environment.
If those seeking information about the environment from State authorities quote the Access to Information on the Environment Directive and its Irish implementing Regulations [SI No. 125 of 1998, European Communities Act, 1972 (Access to Information on the Environment) Regulations], no up-front fee can be charged for seeking such information.
Indeed, Ireland faces the European Courts for charging what the Commission calls a "participation fee" - €20 - for planning applications under the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive.
Ireland appears to be alone in seeking to reverse the European trend towards a more open society.
TONY LOWES, Friends of the Irish Environment, Allihies, Co Cork.