(1) This Act may be cited as the Freedom of Information Act, 1997.
(2) Subject to subsection (3), this Act shall come into operation on the day that is one year after the date of its passing.
(3) Subparagraph (3) of paragraph 1 of the First Schedule shall come into operation on such day not later than 18 months after the passing of this Act as the Minister may appoint by order with the consent of the Minister for the Environment and subparagraph (4) of that paragraph shall come into operation on such day not later than 18 months after the passing of this Act as the Minister may appoint by order with the consent of the Minister for Health.