Freedom of Information Requests

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 December 2013

Thursday, 19 December 2013

Questions (70)

Seán Fleming

Question:

70. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of freedom of information requests received by his Department in 2012 and to date in 2013; the number of requests for which a search and retrieval fee was sought; the maximum fee sought by his Department in respect of a request received; the number of requests not proceeded following the non payment of the search and retrieval fee sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55002/13]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

In 2012, my Department received 136 Freedom of Information requests, twelve of which incurred a Search and Retrieval fee. To date in 2013, 85 requests have been received, and ten have incurred a Search and Retrieval fee.Where Search and Retrieval fees are incurred, requesters have the option to reduce the scope of their request to reduce or eliminate such fees. My Department works with requesters who wish to explore this option. Since 2012, seven requests were eventually deemed to have been withdrawn as no further contact was made by the requesters following notification of Search and Retrieval fees. Where a Search and Retrieval fee was incurred and the request was proceeded with, the maximum fee sought by this Department was €83.80 in 2012 and €188.55 in 2013.