Changes to how Freedom of Information responses are published have come under fire.

Previously, all FoI responses were listed by department on the government website.

But from last week, a new searchable database system was introduced. Some responses were missed out from the disclosure log and some reported finding the system more difficult to use.

A note on the website said publication was on a ’discretionary basis’ - and only if there was a wider public interest.

Garff MHK Daphne Caine said: ’The change to the FoI page concerns me because when I tried to research some of the responses I’ve previously looked at I couldn’t locate them.

’The policy says responses in the wider public interest will be published and I would hope there is a consistent policy on that across all departments.

’In the interests of Freedom of Information my view is that everything should be published and easily accessible but responses are harder to find on the new system - perhaps it will improve once everything has been uploaded and we get used to the new format.

’Constituents have told me they are also experiencing issues, one needs to update their web browser to be able to view the information.’

Mrs Caine added: ’The important point is that FoI must be consistently published and remain accessible otherwise it defeats the object and goes against the stated aim to have an open and transparent government that engages effectively with Tynwald and the public.’

But Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas insisted there had been no change in policy .

And he said if any responses had been missed out during the transfer to the new system then these would be reinstated.

He said the FoI responses webpage had been changed to make it easier for the public to search for responses.

He said: ’A search can be made by either public body, date or key word.

’Previously published responses are being migrated to the new page, most already being there I understand.

’I will follow up republication of any missing responses, especially as the principles of openness and transparency are important.

’The policy on publication is unchanged since March 2016, and is governed by law. Specifically the decision on publishing responses continues to sit with the individual public authorities.’

Mr Thomas pointed out that the FoI roll-out project is complete and staffing resources have now been focused on the data protection and Equality Act projects, for which short-time roles had been established.