THE joint-select committee of Parliament reviewing the operations of the Access to Information secretariat on Thursday removed several hindrances that committee members felt were preventing organisations and individuals receiving information in a timely manner.

Committee chairman Gregory Mair was required midway the proceedings to make a casting vote, after the committee was locked two-two on the matter of the 60-day stipulation for requests to be collected from the secretariat once completed.

After a long, and sometimes long-winded debate, Mair called for the members' vote.

Senator Sandrea Falconer and member of Parliament Tarn Peralto were opposed to any stipulation, while Senators Dennis Meadows and Warren Newby wanted the 60 days in place.

Falconer argued that the information, once prepared, should be kept as there may be circumstances why it cannot be collected before the 60 days.

Peralto agreed with her, thus causing the deadlock, which was moved with Mair's casting vote that the 60 days should be removed and information kept until collected.

There was also the view that some individuals who applied for information did not receive a response before 60 days, and it was therefore unfair to keep the stipulation.

Members also agreed to continue to allow request to come in by telephone. Currently, individuals or organisations seeking information are required to sign applications to make the request complete.

The committee agreed to keep the existing process in place, stating that it was unnecessary for a signature to complete the request, as in the case of the requests by telephone.

They also want individuals across Jamaica to be able to pay for their requests through local financial institutions and online banking facilities near their locale.

This arose from recommendations made by the committee on March 26 that regulations should be amended to permit public authorities to collect fees for postage and accommodation made for online payment.

There was also to be no charge to the public for information that takes more than 30 days to prepare.

The Access to Information secretariat agreed to Regulation 10 and voted to respond to requests for applications within five business days.

Just before the meeting ended the members further agreed to keep the current fees structure of $10 per page remain.

The committee will continue examining the performance next Thursday.