What is the Freedom of Information Act?

The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act was implemented for Government departments and other public sector agencies from 21 April 1998. The RPII came under the Act in May 2006.

It has always been our policy to make available information on our activities without the need to go through the FOI process.

Before making any formal request under FOI, check our website to see if the information you seek is already published or is routinely available. If you cannot find the information you require on our website, please get in touch and we will do our best to provide what you need.

What is Freedom of Information?

The Freedom of Information Act came into effect on 21 April 1998 and was amended on 11 April 2003. This Act gives you the right to access records held by Government Departments and certain public bodies.

You do not have to give a reason as to why you want to see any records. The Government department or body must give you an explanation if you are not given what you ask for. A decision on your application must normally be made within four weeks.

What can I ask for?

You can ask for the following records held by Government departments or certain public bodies

• Any records relating to you personally, whenever created
• All other records created after 21 April, 1998.

A "record" can be a paper document, information held on computer, printouts, maps, plans, microfilm, microfiche, audio-visual material, etc.

The RPII has set out the type of records we hold, in its Section 15 and 16 Manual, which can be downloaded. This document presents the full details of our structure, work and records as well as practices and procedures used by the RPII for the purposes of schemes or enactments that it administers.

Do I need to make a FOI request to get any information from public bodies?

No. It is a policy of the RPII to make as much information as possible available outside of the Freedom of Information process. To this end we routinely make information available in response to enquiries, and through information leaflets, publications and websites.

FOI provides an additional source of information by facilitating access to records not made routinely available.

How do I make a FOI request?

Requests should be submitted in writing using the application form provided (along with an application fee, if appropriate, see below) to FOI Officer, Dr Barbara Rafferty, Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, 3, Clonskeagh Square, Dublin 14.

Do I have to pay for getting information under FOI?

There are basically two types of charges that apply under the Freedom of Information Act.

1. Fees that accompany a request for a record:

• A fee of €15 must accompany a request for records other than records containing only personal information relating to yourself
• A reduced fee of €10 applies in relation to such a request if you are covered by a medical card
• Neither fee applies if the request is for personal information relating to yourself.

2. Fees/deposits in relation to the cost of search and retrieval and copying of records released:

• You can also be charged for the time spent finding records that are to be given to you, and for any photocopying costs incurred by the public body in providing material to you. Such costs are very unlikely to arise in the case of personal information
• You cannot be charged for the time spent on deciding whether or not to grant your request.

Fee List

• Standard processing fee €15 (€10 for medical card holders)
• Internal review fee €75 (€25 reduced fee for medical card holders)
• Appeal to the Information Commissioner €150 (€50 for medical card holders)
• €20.95 per hour search and retrieval
• €0.04 per sheet for a photocopy
• A full list of fees is available in section 4 of Section 15 and 16 manual.