Section 15 - Institute of Technology Blanchardstown
Section 15 - Institute of Technology Blanchardstown
Section 15 - Institute of Technology Blanchardstown
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
Each public body has staff who are trained and are authorised to make<br />
decisions and review decisions under the Act.<br />
11. What will I have to do with an FOI request?<br />
This will depend on your duties. However, it is likely that you may be<br />
required to search for requested records in your work area. Your opinion<br />
as to any possible harm which releasing the records could cause may also<br />
be sought. You may also be required to assist members <strong>of</strong> the public to<br />
make an FOI request.<br />
12. How do you recognise an FOI request?<br />
A request under FOI (1997) must be in writing and must state that it is<br />
made under the Act. It also has to contain enough information for the<br />
record to be identified. Some organisations accept FOI requests by e-mail.<br />
13. Can I make an FOI request?<br />
Yes, anyone can make an FOI request.<br />
14. Can I see my personnel records?<br />
Your agency may already have a scheme under which you can see your<br />
personnel records without having to lodge an FOI request. If not, you can<br />
invoke FOI (1997) to request your personnel records created after 21<br />
April 1995. Under certain circumstances you may be able to request<br />
earlier records.<br />
<strong>15</strong>. Do people get everything they ask for?<br />
This depends on the data they request. Some requesters may get<br />
everything they ask for. Others, however, will get none or only part <strong>of</strong><br />
what they have requested. Approximately 60% <strong>of</strong> all requests in 1999<br />
were granted in part or in full, with only 18% refused in full.<br />
16. What form do they get access in?<br />
The requester generally is granted access in their preferred form: viewing<br />
the original, obtaining copies (paper or diskette), or hearing/viewing<br />
audio-visual records.<br />
17. How much does it cost?<br />
There is no application fee. The main charges are an hourly charge<br />
(€20.95) for search and retrieval <strong>of</strong> records, and a copying charge <strong>of</strong><br />
€0.04 per A4 page. The charge for searching is not made for requests for<br />
personal records, except where a significant number <strong>of</strong> records is<br />
involved. Copying charges may be waived if the requester is in financial<br />
difficulties.<br />
18. Do we have to action FOI (1997) requests immediately?<br />
All aspects <strong>of</strong> processing requests under FOI (1997) are subject to time<br />
limits specified in the Act, so everyone involved in processing must do so<br />
as quickly as possible.<br />
19. How much time do we have to work on a request?<br />
- 54 - 21/08/08
Change language