How to make an FOI request
An FOI request must be in writing. It can be by letter or in the case of personal requests, e-mail. Application forms are also available here
According to Section 7(1), a request should:
1. State that you seek this information under the Freedom of Information Acts 1997 & 2003.
2. Contain sufficient particulars in relation to the information concerned to enable the record to be identified. Please ensure to detail your particulars (i.e. Name, Address, Contact Details (e.g. telephone number and/or e-mail address)) as this information is required for subsequent correspondence that will follow.
3. Specify the manner or form in which you wish to gain access (the different forms of access are outlined in Section 12 of the Act).
Do I have to pay?
Fees may be charged for (a) the making of a request or appeal and (b) the search and retrieval and/or copying of records.
(a) Fees for the making of a request or appeal
The Minister has made regulations to prescribe fees in relation to requests for non-personal information and for the appeal of decisions made on such requests. The regulations take effect from 7th July, 2003.
Generally speaking, a request for non-personal records incurs a fee of €15, an application for an internal review of the public body’s decision on that request incurs a fee of €75, and a subsequent application to the Office of the Information Commissioner incurs a fee of €150. However, in certain circumstances, no fee is payable or reduced fees may apply. (Note that an appeal may be made to the Office of the Information Commissioner against a decision by a public body to charge a fee or deposit).
(b) Fees for Search and Retrieval and/or copying of records
The amount of these fees that may be charged in respect of Freedom of Information requests are currently equal to the estimated cost of the search for and retrieval of the record concerned, and the estimated cost of any copy of the record made by the public body concerned. Where the records contain personal information only, these fees may be disregarded in certain circumstances.
Assistance to Persons with a Disability
The FOI Officer is available to provide assistance to persons with a disability to exercise their rights under the FOI Act (e.g. accepting oral requests from requesters who are unable to read, print and/or write due to their disability, enabling the requester to inspect or have records explained to him or her).
