Preparing the grounds for democracy IFLA in the Storting, 10 August 2005 Inger Lorange Figved

A well informed public makes better use of its democratic rights Member of Parliament makes better decisions parliament staff gives better support to its members

Cst. Article 84 The Storting shall meet in open session, and its proceedings shall be published in print, except in those cases when a majority decides to the contrary.

Objectives Obtain information needed for the work of the Storting Prepare and keep records of the Storting’s activities in an appropriate and efficient way Provide internal and external information on the activities of the national assembly and its administration

Ground principles of information To give people correct information at the right time and in the form and quantity that meets their needs and purpose

Cst. Article 100 ….. Everyone shall be free to speak his mind frankly on the administration of the State and on any other subject whatsoever.

Freedom of Information Act Article 2 The case documents of the public administration are public insofar as no exception is made by or pursuant to statute. … Notwithstanding that a document may be exempted from public disclosure pursuant to the provisions of this Act, the administrative agency shall consider whether the document should nevertheless wholly or partly be made public.

Information guidelines 2001 The Storting Administration shall provide external information on the activities of the Storting according to the principles of democracy and openness, and shall thus provice a basis for raising public awareness and encouraging participation in the democratic process.

Information guidelines The Administrations’s internal information activities shall provide adequate support for the work of the Storting, enhance morale and increase productivity. High-quality information within the organization is an essential basis for maintaining a high standard of external information activities and services.

External information School services* www.stortinget.no Seminars for mediators The Storting Information Corner www.tinget.no* The MiniTing* * Young people, coming voters

The Media The Press Club New strategy – broadcasting to give people an objective picture of the Storting as opposed to the media’s picture of ”chaos and conflict” will put a positive pressure on the MPs?

Make new friends! Make new friends But keep the old - One is silver And the other gold! ♫☺