What is Freedom of Information?

The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act came into effect on 21 April, 1998. The Freedom of Information Act 2014 was enacted on 14 October, 2014.

Under FOI you have a right to:

• access records held by a Government Department or certain public bodies
• request correction of personal information relating to you held by a Government Department or certain public bodies where it is inaccurate, incomplete or misleading
• obtain reasons for a decision made by a Government Department or certain public bodies where the decision affects you

 

What records can I ask for under FOI?

You can ask for the following records held by a Department or certain bodies:

• any records relating to you personally, whenever created
• all other records created after 21 April, 1998

A ‘record’ can be a paper document, information held on computer, printouts, maps, plans, microfilm, microfiche, audio-visual material, etc.

You do not have to give a reason as to why you want access to particular records, and the Government department or body concerned must give you an explanation if it refuses you access to any record that you have looked for. A decision on your FOI application must normally be made within 20 working days.

If you have a specific question on making an FOI request to this Department, please visit our Freedom of Information FAQ.
 

FOI Publication Scheme

Section 8 of the Freedom of Information Act 2014 requires the Department to prepare and publish a scheme concerning the publication of information by the Department. This scheme has been prepared in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. 

• General Information about the Department
• Services provided or to be provided to the Public
• Decision-making process for major policy proposals
• Financial Information
• Procurement
• Other Information routinely published

 

Further information

For more comprehensive information on Freedom of Information including the text of the FOI Acts, please visit the FOI Central Policy Unit website in the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform.
 

How to make  a request

Here you will find information on making a request.

 

Non-personal FoI Requests

Access our list of non-personal FOI Requests.

 

Access to Information on the Environment (AIE)

Read more on Access to Information on the Environment (AIE),  general information on the European Communities (Access to Information on the Environment) Regulations, which includes background information on the legislation,  how to make an AIE application, contact details and fees. 

 

Contact Details

All requests under the FOI Acts should be addressed to:

	Address:	Information Officer Department of Justice and Equality 51 St. Stephen's Green Dublin 2 D02 HK52
	Telephone:	+ 353 1 6028202 ext. 8408/8417
	Lo-Call:	1890 221 227 ext. 8408/8417
	E-mail:	foi@justice.ie