Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 July 2014
332. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to the recent announcement regarding the freedom of information, FOI, application fee, his plans to revise the fees applicable to the FOI appeals process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29688/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the Government has previously agreed to substantial reductions in the internal review and appeal fees for FOI. A reduction from €75 to €30 has been agreed in relation to the fee for an application for internal review, while the cost of an appeal to the Information Commissioner is being reduced from €150 to €75.
The FOI Bill 2013 is scheduled for Report Stage in the Dail on 16 July and is expected to be enacted later this year. Following enactment, it will be necessary for a number of Ministerial orders to be made in relation to fees, in line with the Minister's announcement on 1 July, and for other issues. A Ministerial order setting the new fees for FOI internal review and appeal to the Information Commissioner will be made as part of that process.
