The Freedom of Information Act - Compliance by Public Bodies

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An investigation by the Information Commissioner into the practices and procedures adopted by public bodies generally for the purpose of compliance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, 1997

A Report in accordance with section 36(2) of the Freedom of Information Act, 1997

Published by the Office of the Information Commissioner
18 Lower Leeson Street
Dublin 2

Tel : 01 - 678 5222
Fax : 01 - 661 0570
Email : foi@ombudsman.irlgov.ie
Website : www.irlgov.ie/oic

July 2001

This is a report of an investigation which I carried out in accordance with section 36(2) of the Freedom of Information Act, 1997 (the FOI Act) into the practices and procedures adopted by public bodies for the purposes of compliance with the provisions of that Act.

In the case of most public bodies the Act is now in operation for a little over three years. This investigation, which is required by the Act, presented an opportunity to review the performance of public bodies to date. Its key focus is on what public bodies need to do to ensure that the objectives of the Act are fully met.

In accordance with section 36(5) of the Act, I am furnishing a copy of this report to the Minister for Finance and to each public body. A copy will also be appended to my next annual report, as required by the Act and, in accordance with normal practice, will be laid before each House of the Oireachtas.

Kevin Murphy
Information Commissioner
July 2001

Overview and Summary of Recommendations

Chapter 1 - Procedures for Handling Requests

Chapter 2 - The Effectiveness of Internal Review

Chapter 3 - Quality of Response

Chapter 4 - Fees

Chapter 5 - Records Management

Chapter 6 - The Use of the Exemptions contained in the FOI Act

Chapter 7 - Reducing the Burden of complying with FOI Requests

Chapter 8 - A more open Public Service ?

Appendix 1 - List of Public Bodies examined

Appendix 2 - FOI Central Policy Unit Notice No.5 - Release of Information outside of the FOI Act