Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 July 2020
134. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of freedom of information requests being processed by his Department; the number that have had the deadline for reply extended; the number at least one week, two weeks, one month and over one month overdue, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19356/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 1 January 2020 my Department has to date received 158 requests under the Freedom of Information Act 2014. Of these, 57 requests were fully or partially granted, with 34 being refused. The remainder of the requests include requests that are not yet due for answer, have been withdrawn by the requester or transferred due to request being more appropriate to another Department.
A determination on a Freedom of Information request must be provided within 20 days after the receipt of the request and the majority handled by my Department are completed within this period. However, deadlines are subject to change with the agreement of requestors, as provided for in the Freedom of Information Act 2014. Such extensions are generally sought for requests where the period of consideration has been suspended for the payment of deposits, third party consultation or clarification of scope.
Of the relevant 91 Freedom of Information requests received and responded to up to date,
- 85 were completed within the due date; and
- 6 were completed outside the due date and all were extended by one week or less.
