MHK to ask gov't to add three organisations to FoI Act

Steam Packet Company, Manx Development Corporation and Isle of Man Meat Company would be added

We could see three more government owned organisations added to the list of authorities that can be sent Freedom of Information requests.

The Freedom of Information Act enables any Isle of Man resident to access certain information held by a public authority like government, local authorities or some publicly owned, but arms-length, organisations.

It's how the public gets hold of data sets, emails and advice, and is legally binding meaning if the organisation holds the data, and exemptions aren't applicable, it has to be released.

Despite being owned by Treasury the Steam Packet Company cannot be sent those requests but that could change if Douglas Central MHK Chris Thomas gets his way.

He wants to see the ferry operator, along with the Manx Development Corporation and Isle of Man Meat Company, added to the register.

Currently there are authorities which don't even exist anymore on the government's list of FOI-able organisations; Mr Thomas will request the list is updated to remove PGT Limited.

Politicians are expected to be asked for approval at the June sitting of Tynwald.

Manx Radio's Christian Jones spoke to Mr Thomas ahead of it: