Poll: Should ministers be allowed to keep a secret diary of official meetings?

Minister Pat Rabbitte has said he keeps one, and it can’t be accessed using the Freedom of Information Act.

By Nicky Ryan Sunday 29 Jun 2014, 10:04 AM

Jun 29th 2014, 10:04 AM 8,187 Views 54 Comments

https://jrnl.ie/1544415

Image: Sam Boal/Photocall Ireland

Image: Sam Boal/Photocall Ireland

A FREEDOM OF Information (FOI) request to access a ‘secret diary’ kept by a government minister of official meetings has been denied.

The application by the Sunday Times follows the Minister for Communications, Energy, and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte revealing that he keeps such a diary as some meetings are of a ‘commercially sensitive’ nature.

The minister told RTÉ Radio 1 that he does this “deliberately” and “to prevent the contents being released under FOI”. Other meetings are recorded in a digital diary, which can be accessed.

We want to know what you think: Should ministers be allowed to keep a secret diary of official meetings?

Poll Results:

No (2214)

Yes (997)

I don't know (163)

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Poll: Should ministers be allowed to keep a secret diary of official meetings?