David Stanton
Question:128 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the procedures to be followed by members of the Defence Forces who wish to view their personal files under the Freedom of Information Act, 1997. [14083/98]
Written Answers. - Freedom of Information Act.
The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the Freedom of Information Act, 1997 Section 15 Reference Book of the published Guide to Functions and Records of the Defence Forces at paragraph 3 which deals with “How to Get Information under the Freedom of Information Act, 1997”. This paragraph advises that applications for information from the Defence Forces under the Act should be addressed to:
Comdt. M. Gannon,
Defence Forces' Headquarters,
Parkgate (East),
Infirmary Road, Dublin 7.
Phone (01) 8042758
It also advises that applications should be in writing and should indicate that the information is sought under the Freedom of Information Act, 1997. If information is desired in a particular form i.e., photocopy, computer disk, etc., this should also be mentioned in the application. Applicants should give as much detail as possible to enable the staff of the Defence Forces to identify the record. If an applicant has difficulty in identifying the precise records required, the staff of the Defence Forces will be happy to assist in preparing the request. Requests will be acknowledged within two weeks and the applicants will be informed of the name of the person dealing with the request. The guidance note also asks that applicants include a telephone number or some other contact system such as the local gardaí in order that their bona fides can be established.
Applicants who adhere to the procedures outlined will promptly receive from the Defence Forces the data to which they are entitled from their personal files, as provided for in section 6 of the Freedom of Information Act, 1997.