THE Freedom of Information Bill was passed by both houses of the Oireachtas yesterday and its provisions will take effect in 12 months.

Welcoming the passage of the legislation yesterday, the Minister of State, Ms Eithne Fitzgerald, described it as a "milestone in creating a new climate of openness", and said it would form a consumers", charter for everyone who avails of public services.

The 12 months allow public bodies to prepare to implement the Bill's requirements. The first phase of the Bill will apply to all Government Departments and other public bodies, including the Blood Transfusion Service Board, the Defence Forces, the Social Welfare Appeals Board, the Environmental Protection Agency and An Bord Pleanala.

The National Union of Journalists welcomed the legislation but regretted it did not apply to the Garda.