Freedom of Information Data

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 February 2018

Tuesday, 27 February 2018

Questions (100)

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

100. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Taoiseach the number of freedom of information requests his Department has received in the past eight years; the number that were accepted without further escalation and not accepted, respectively; the number of requests not accepted that were escalated to the Information Commissioner; the number in respect of which the Information Commissioner ruled in favour of the person requesting the freedom of information; the number in respect of which the Information Commissioner ruled against his Department; the number his Department appealed to the High Court; the number in respect of which the High Court ruled against his Department in favour of the applicant; and the number which were then brought to the Court of Appeal by his Department. [9298/18]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

My Department received 1,619 freedom of information requests from the start of 2010 to 23 February 2018. During this period there were 57 requests for internal review and 17 appeals by requesters to the Information Commissioner.

In relation to the 17 appeals, the Information Commissioner affirmed my Department's decision in 5 cases while in 3 cases my Department's decision was varied or annulled. 8 appeals were either withdrawn by requesters or settled after they were referred to the Commissioner. One appeal is currently ongoing.

My Department has not appealed decisions made by the Information Commissioner to the High Court.

Questions Nos. 101 and 102 answered with Question No. 98.