Freedom of Information Act and religious congregations

The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin has been criticised for placing fees on Freedom of Information Act applications.

One would imagine that the Christian churches would be in support of people who make requests under the Freedom of Information Act.

Indeed, church leaders may even speak in public supporting an open and transparent FoI environment.

The reality is that there are religious congregations, that  refuse to make available to their members their personal files.

In so doing they are breaking Irish State law. And not a whisper from anyone or anywhere. such behaviour is far removed from anything to do with Gospel values or indeed 'truth'.