Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2014

  • 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
  • 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


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