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The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act came into effect on 21 April,
1998. The FOI Act was amended on 11 April, 2003, and is known
as the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Act, 2003. The FOI
Act gives persons the right to access records held by Government
Departments and certain public bodies. A person does not have
to specify why access to particular records is required and the
Government Department or body concerned must provide an explanation
to the requester if access to any record being sought is refused.
Decisions on FOI applications must normally be made within 20 working
days. The applicant has the right to seek an internal review by
the body concerned of any decision and can also apply to the Information
Commissioner for a complete review of the case if s/he is not happy
with the result of that review.
The following records held by Government Departments or certain
public bodies may be requested:
- any records relating to you
personally, whenever created;
- all other records created after
21 April, 1998.
The Commission has published two manuals setting out information
about rules, practices, guidelines, functions, classes of records,
etc. of the Commission. The publication of this information is
in compliance with sections 15 and 16 of the Act. Section 15
manual, entitled, "Guide to the Functions and Record " contains:
- a general description of its structure, functions, powers
and duties;
- information on services provided to the public;
- a general description
of the classes of records held by the Department.
Section 16 Reference Book, entitled, "Rules and Practices" sets
out:
- the rules, procedures, practices, guidelines, precedents
and interpretations used by the Department
The Commission has also published an application
form that may be used to apply to the Commission
for records held by it.
 Link
to Guide (268kb)
Link
to Application Form (35kb)
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