How to query decisions

What if I am not satisfied with the decision on my FOI request?

You may seek a review of any decision issued by writing to the Freedom of Information Officer, Athlumney House, IDA Business Park, Johnstown,  Navan, Co Meath seeking an Internal Review of the matter. A fee of €30 (€10 for medical card holders) may apply for such an appeal. There is no fee for internal review applications concerning only personal information relating to oneself or in relation to a decision to impose a fee or deposit.

If you decide to seek a review of a decision, you must make the application within 4 weeks from the date of response (although late reviews may be permitted in certain circumstances).The review will involve a complete reconsideration of the matter by a more senior member of staff and a decision will be communicated to you within 3 weeks.

What if I am not satisfied with the decision on internal review?

You may request a review of the decision within six months by writing to the Office of the Information Commissioner. If you request a review, the Information Commissioner will fully investigate and consider the matter and issue a fresh decision. All requests for reviews should be addressed to:

The Information Commissioner, 18 Lower Leeson Street,  Dublin 2

Tel: +353 (1) 639 5689

Locall: 0818 22 30 30

E-mail: info@oic.gov.ie

A fee of €50 (€15 for medical card holders) may apply for such an application.

Can I appeal to the High Court?

A party to an application under section 22 or any other person affected by the decision of the Commissioner following a review under that section may appeal to the High Court;

(a) On a point of law from the decision, or

(b) Where the party or person concerned contends that the release of a record concerned would contravene a requirement imposed by European Union law, on finding of fact set out or inherent in the decision.

(2) The requester concerned or any other person affected by

(a) The issue of a certificate under Section 34,

(b) A decision, pursuant to Section 13, to refuse to grant an FOI request in relation to a record the subject of such a certificate, or

(c) A decision, pursuant to Section 21, to refuse to grant, or to uphold a decision to refuse to grant, such a request, may appeal to the High Court on a point of law against such issue or from such decision.