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.
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.
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.
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 |
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.
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 .
How do you submit a Freedom of Information Request?
Complete aRequest for Access to Records under the Freedom of Information Act 2014application 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