Making an FOI Request
The Act requires bodies to respond to requests from the public for information they hold. Your request must be in writing and sent to Deborah Gleeson, Information Officer (FOI Officer), Muiriosa Foundation, Monasterevin, Co. Kildare, W34 E433 or emailed to deborah.gleeson@muiriosa.ie.
You must specify that the request is being made under the FOI Act and should also:
- Include as much information as possible about the records being sought so they can be identified.
- State what format you wish to receive any records released (e.g. photocopies)
The request will be acknowledged within 10 working days and a decision will normally be issued within 20 working days of receiving the request. This timeline can be extended in certain situations where there’s a large number of records to review, or where the service needs to consult with a third party.
If you require any help in formulating a request or have difficulty in printing/reading/writing due to a disability, please contact Deborah Gleeson, Information Officer (FOI Officer)
087 – 9126622 / deborah.gleeson@muiriosa.ie to help you exercise your rights.
Muiriosa Foundation do not normally charge fees for accessing records in the first instance, subject to volume.
Requests for Personal Information
When you are seeking information which is personal, you will be required to supply the appropriate identification. In cases where you are seeking access to access records relating to a deceased person under section 37(8), you will be required to provide additional details in order to exercise these rights.
Exemptions
In some circumstances, it may be necessary to exempt certain information from being released. The Act sets out exemptions, some are mandatory and others discretionary. Amongst the key exemptions are records relating to:
- Law enforcement and security,
- Confidential and commercially sensitive information,
- Personal information (other than information relating to the person making the request).
Requests may also be refused if they are deemed too voluminous or unclear but the Service is obliged to assist the requester in trying to overcome this.
Appeals
If you are unhappy with the decision issued to your request, or have not received a response to your request within 20 working days of applying, you can appeal in writing (usually within 20 working days of the date of response). This means that the decision will be re-examined by a more senior member of staff and is known as an Internal Review.
If you are still unhappy with the decision you have the right to appeal to the Information Commissioner (18 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2, DO2 HE97).
Publication of Requests
A log of requests made under the Act is maintained on the Muiriosa Foundation website for reference purposes.