Supporting the Right to Information

Apply for a review

Search decisions

The Information Commissioner's Office carries out independent reviews of decisions taken by public bodies on Freedom of Information requests.

Guidance Notes How we interpret and apply the Freedom of Information Act.

Recent Decisions

Mr X and Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection The Senior Investigator affirmed the decision of the Department. She found that its refusal of access was justified under section 37(1) and section 37(6) on the basis that if certain records are held they would contain the personal information of individual(s) other than the applicant and his minor children. She affirmed the decision of the Department to refuse to confirm or deny the existence of records under section 37(6) of the FOI Act. She found that the public interest in granting the request did not outweigh the public interest in upholding the privacy rights of other individuals. Read more

Mr X and Institute of Technology Tralee The Senior Investigator affirmed the Institutes decision to refuse access to any further relevant records under section 15(1)(a) of the FOI Act on the ground that no further records exist or can be found. Read more

Ms Y and Health Service Executive The Senior Investigator found that the HSE had failed to consider the Freedom of Information Act 2014 (Section 37(8)) Regulations 2016 when processing the request. He annulled the HSEs decision and directed it to undertake a fresh decision-making process in respect of the applicant's request having due regard to the relevant Regulations. Read more