Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 July 2021
150. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of freedom of information requests refused by his Department since the Freedom of Information Act 2014 commenced for the reason that search and copy costs would exceed the maximum threshold; the number of requests that were subsequently granted following engagement with the requester to narrow the scope of the request; and the costs associated with same. [36170/21]
View answerThe Department of Transport does not record the information that the Deputy requests, as we are not required to maintain such information under the Freedom of Information Act 2014. However I can assure the Deputy that while the cost aspect of the Freedom of Information legislation has been important in terms of discouraging vexatious requests, where the it appears from an initial review of an FOI request that fees might apply, the Department always engages with the requestor to advise them and work with them with a view to reducing, or eliminating, estimated costs. This makes for a more effective and efficient process for all concerned.
