Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2021
136. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Taoiseach if he will ensure that the freedom of information unit of his Department deal with the freedom of information requests in a consistent manner (details supplied). [58811/21]
View answerMy Department is committed to providing a professional and consistent service in relation to the processing of all requests received under the Freedom of Information Act. The procedures for dealing with FOI requests used by my Department meet the legislative requirements contained in the Act and are in line with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform's Code of Practice.
My Department regularly organises training seminars for staff in the FOI Unit and the officials in the Department who are FOI decision makers to help ensure they understand the requirements of the Act and the Code when processing requests and issuing their decisions. The training includes details of the requirements to provide details of the searches completed when processing requests and the provision of a schedule of the records found with details of the decision on each record as to whether it is being granted, part granted or refused, as well as details of the exemption grounds applicable to records which it is decided to part grant or refuse. The training also includes details of the scenarios arising where the payment of fees may be required and the Department’s facility to receive fees electronically to its bank account.
