Informationsfreiheit im parlamentarischen Bereich

This dissertation deals with the scope of application of Germany’s Freedom of Information Act and the extent to which it offers the public the right to access parliamentary information. After explaining the foundations and objectives of the right to information, as well as the structure and contents of the Freedom of Information Act, the study describes the function and structure of the Bundestag and, finally, examines the concrete application of the law, focusing specifically on the German Parliament. It demonstrates that, at present, there are several tools which can be used to access parliamentary information directly. This situation thus creates an open information society with regard to Parliament. However, there are a number of exceptions in the Freedom of Information Act and restrictions regarding measures taken by Parliament. Consequently, the application of the act is confined by these limitations.