Quiz Answers

Quiz Answer Two

According to the Ombudsman's Guide to Standards of Best Practice for Public Bodies how should public bodies treat their clients?

Properly, Fairly, Openly and Impartially

Quiz Answer Three

In general, what kind of information can you not get under the FOI Act?

Matters relating to the general administration of public bodies and/or the manner in which they implement their statutory functions will not be considered by the Commissioner as they do not form part of her remit. Such complaints may be a matter for the Office of the Ombudsman.

Quiz Answer Four

What is the name of the Children's Ombudsman?

Ms. Emily Logan

Quiz Answer Five

What three words describe the underlying principle behind freedom of information legislation everywhere?

Openness, Transparency and Accountability

Quiz Answer Six

What are the main functions of the Information Commissioner?

 Her main functions are:

  • to review decisions made by public bodies in relation to Freedom of Information requests,
  • to keep the operation of the Act under review (this can involve investigation of the operation of the Act both generally and in relation to particular bodies),
  • to foster an attitude of openness among public bodies by encouraging the voluntary publication by them of information on their activities which goes beyond what they are obliged to publish under the Act;
  • to prepare and publish commentaries on the practical operation of the Act (these may be based on the experience of the Commissioner arising from cases already handled).

Quiz Answer Seven

What powers does the Ombudsman have?

The Ombudsman has extensive powers in law. She can demand any information, document or file from a body complained of and can require any official to give information about a complaint.

Quiz Answer Eight

What are the five principles which the European Commission identified as underpinning good governance in its White Paper on that subject?

Openness, Participation, Accountability, Effectiveness and Coherence

Quiz Answer Nine

What does the Comptroller and Auditor-General do?

The  Comptroller and Auditor General plays a central role in the public accountability process by reporting to Dáil Éireann on whether public funds have been spent appropriately and to good effect.

Quiz Answer Ten

How much does it cost to make an appeal to the Information Commissioner?

Depending on the information sought and/or the personal circumstances of the person, an appeal to the Commissioner can cost nothing, €50, or €150 .