Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 July 2021
615. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she is satisfied in the context of the freedom of information publication scheme that all logs are published and up to date in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act 2014; if not, the reason they are not published; and if she will update them as a matter of priority. [36130/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra616. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount collected on an annual basis since the Freedom of Information Act 2014 commenced in respect of fees attached to freedom of information requests submitted to her Department. [36148/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra617. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of freedom of information requests refused by her 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. [36166/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 615 to 617, inclusive, together.
My Department was established on 19 July 2017. In the context of the Freedom of Information publication scheme all logs are published and up to date in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act 2014, and are available online at: www.gov.ie/en/collection/f68256-disclosure-logs/.
A total of €240 in fees was collected by my Department, in respect of one FOI request, during the period in question. The maximum threshold for estimated search, retrieval and copying fees under the FOI Act is €700. My Department has not refused any requests on the grounds that search and copy costs would exceed the maximum threshold. Where requesters may be subject to fees, my Department is active in assisting requesters to refine their requests where possible to ensure that information can be provided without a fee requirement.
