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What is Freedom of Information?
The Freedom of Information Act 2014 gives individuals the legal right to:
· access records held by FOI bodies,
· have personal information held on them corrected or updated where such information is incomplete, incorrect or misleading;
· be given a reason for decisions taken by the public body that affects them.
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What can you ask for?
You can ask for the following records held by Galway City Council:
- Any records relating to you personally, regardless of when they were created.
- All other records created after 21st October 1998.
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How does it work?
Your valid request must be acknowledged within two weeks and a decision made within 4 weeks. However, there are some instances when the process can take longer than 4 weeks and you will be advised in writing of same.
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Will there be a charge?
No initial application fee applies.
In some circumstances, you may also be charged a fee for the "search and retrieval" of records, the cost of photocopying documents and postage (if you wish printed records to be sent to you) for requests for non-personal information.
If the cost of search, retrieval and copying is €101 or less, no charge is applied. If the charge exceeds €101, full fees apply. The maximum charge applied for a request is €500.
If the estimated cost of search, retrieval and copying is more than €700 the body can refuse to process your request, unless you refine your request to bring the search, retrieval and copying fees below this limit. -
Type of Charge:
Standard Charge:
Search & Retrieval of records
€20 per hour
Photocopying
4 cent per sheet
CD-ROM containing copy of documents
€10
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Can you appeal the decision?
Yes. If you are not satisfied with a decision you may ask Galway City Council for an internal review of a decision within four weeks of the initial decision. This will be conducted by a more senior officer, and will normally be completed within three weeks. Applications for internal review relating to non-personal records cost €30 (there is a reduced fee of €10.00 for medical card holders). The fee must be paid to the FoI body before the appeal may proceed.
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Where can you get more information?
The Freedom of Information Act 2014 is available on the Government website (www.foi.gov.ie) or from the Government Publications Office on 016476834 or publications@opw.ie .
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How do you submit a Freedom of Information Request?
Complete a Request for Access to Records under the Freedom of Information Act 2014 application form or write a letter stating what records you are seeking, specifying that the request is being made under the Freedom of Information Act 2014 and send it to the address below:
Download Application Form: Freedom of Information Request
- Freedom of Information Officer,
Galway City Council,
City Hall,
College Road,
Galway
Email: foi@galwaycity.ie
Telephone: 091-536400
- Freedom of Information Officer,
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Applications for an Internal Review of FOI decisions should be submitted to:
- Senior Executive Officer,
Corporate Services,
Galway City Council,
City Hall,
College Road,
Galway.
Email: foi@galwaycity.ie
Telephone: 091-536400
Appeals to the Information Commissioner should be made to:
- Office of the Information Commissioner,
6 Earlsfort Terrace,
Dublin 2,
D02 W773.Email: info@oic.ie
Telephone: 01-6395689
- Senior Executive Officer,