Role, Functions and Powers of the Information Commissioner

The Information Commissioner is completely independent of the Government in the performance of her functions. This independence is underpinned by the Freedom of Information Acts.

The main functions of the Commissioner can be summarised as :

reviewing (on application) decisions of public bodies in relation to FOI requests and where necessary, making binding, new decisions;
reviewing the operation of the Freedom of Information Acts to ensure that public bodies comply with the provisions of the legislation;
fosteringing of an attitude of openness among public bodies by encouraging the voluntary publication of information above and beyond the minimum requirements of the Acts;
preparing and publishing commentaries [ create link to commentaries - general piece and previous]; on the practical operation of the Acts; and
the publication of an Annual Report;

The FOI Acts provide the Commissioner with certain powers to facilitate her in carrying out her functions.