Anyone can make a request under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act. The request must be in writing, state that it is made under the FOI Act, and include enough detail to identify the records sought.
Requests can be made for any record held by a public body. However, access may be limited by exemptions, including confidential, commercial, or legally privileged information. The FOI Act does not apply to information not held in recorded form.
A record includes any document, email, photograph, video, recording, or electronic file in which information is stored, including drafts, work diaries, and emails (even deleted emails, unless fully erased from systems).
Yes. Both electronic records and drafts—whether paper or digital—are covered under the FOI Act.
Trained staff within each public body are authorised to process FOI requests and make decisions. A more senior officer will handle internal reviews if requested.
- Acknowledgement: within 2 weeks
- Decision: within 4 weeks
- Extensions may apply if third-party consultation or large volumes are involved
If deadlines are missed, the request is deemed refused, and the requester can seek a review.
Not necessarily. Some records may be partially or fully withheld under specific exemptions. Access is usually provided in the form requested—viewing, copies, or electronic files.
- No charge to submit a request
- Search and copying fees may apply:
- €20/hour for search and retrieval
- €0.04 per page for photocopying
- No charges if the total is under €101
- Full fees apply from €101 to €500
- Over €700: request may be refused unless refined
- Review Fees:
- Internal review: €30 (€10 with medical card)
- Appeal to Information Commissioner: €50 (€15 with medical card)
Yes. You can access personnel records and other personal data. For staff, access generally applies to records created after 21 April 1995.
You can seek an internal review. If still dissatisfied, you may request an external review by the Information Commissioner. A final appeal may be made to the High Court on a point of law.
FOI does not override the Data Protection Act. However, if a conflict arises, the FOI Act generally takes precedence.
Yes. Records created by contractors in the course of providing services are subject to FOI.
Possibly. Third parties must be consulted before releasing information affecting them. If they object, they may appeal to the Information Commissioner. Records are not released until the review is complete.
Only in specific circumstances—such as when it serves the public interest or benefits the person involved. Staff records related to job roles (not private life) are generally not considered exempt.
Requests for such records are governed by specific regulations. Factors include the requester’s relationship to the subject and the purpose of the request (e.g. estate administration).
Yes. You may request correction or deletion of inaccurate personal information, unless it underpinned a formal decision.
Yes, for personal records. For non-personal records, access generally applies from 21 April 1998 onward.
Public interest refers to societal benefits such as transparency, accountability, and openness in government—not merely curiosity or media attention.
No. The Act protects the identity of confidential informants, though the substance of the allegation may be released.
Yes. Decision-makers acting in accordance with the Act are protected against legal actions such as libel.