Making A Request

FOI requests should be submitted in writing (by email or post), preferably using a standard request form, to the Freedom of Information Officer. Requests in writing should be addressed to Freedom of Information Officer, Finance Department, National College of Ireland, Mayor Square, IFSC, Dublin 1 or foi@ncirl.ie 

In all cases you must:

  •  specify that you are making your request under the Freedom of Information Acts;
  •  identify the records being sought (This is to facilitate locating the records and to reduce any charges which may be payable by a requester for search and   retrieval and copying; requesters are advised to give as much information as they can about the records they are seeking.);
  •  indicate if you would like to obtain copies of the record or would prefer access in another form;

Fees Payable

When the request is for personal information there are no charges unless there is a significant number of records.

In the case of requests which relate to non-personal information there are charges are applied for search retrieval and copying. The relevant section of the Act here is Section 27(2) and these fees relate to:
(a)    Determining whether it holds the information requested;
(b)   Locating the information or documents containing the information
(c)    Retrieving such information or documents
(d)   Extracting the information from the files, documents, electronic or other information sources
containing both it and other material not relevant to the request, and
(e)   Preparing a schedule specifying the records for consideration for release.

In relation to the search, retrieval and copying charges there is a minimum threshold of €101 below which no search, retrieval and copying charges can be charged. Once the charge reaches the €101 full fees apply.  There is a cap on the amount that can be charged and this is set at €500.  These is also a further upper ceiling limit on estimated search, retrieval and copying fees set at €700 above which a body can refuse to process a request unless the requester is prepared to refine the request below the limit.

There are also fees which apply for an internal review under Section 22, this is €30 and €10 for medical card holders and their dependants. The fee for appeals to the Office of the Information Commissioner is €50 and €15 for medical card holders and their dependants.

Decision Making

A request will be acknowledge within 10 working days and responded to within 20 working days. Response may take longer depending on the nature of the request. If this is the case, the requestor will be notified.

Appeals

If you are not satisfied with the decision made you can seek an internal review of the decision which is a complete and new review of your request by someone more senior. If following this you are still not satisfied you can appeal this decision to the Office of the Information Commissioner