Applicants must make their request in writing by completing the ‘Request for Information’ form available in the Reception Area of the Service Commissions Department or their own Ministry/Department.  

What is the timeframe for furnishing documents for inspection after receiving an application for information under the Freedom of Information Act, 1999?

Reasonable steps will be taken to notify applicants of the approval or refusal of their requests as soon as practicable but no more than 30 days from the date of receipt of the requests. If the deadline is not met, applicants have the right to proceed as if their requests have been denied.

The Service Commissions Department is required to furnish copies of documents only when they are in our possession or where we can retrieve them from storage.  

Reasonable steps will be taken to notify applicants of the approval or refusal of their requests as soon as practicable but no more than 30 days from the date of receipt of the requests. If the deadline is not met, applicants have the right to proceed as if their requests have been denied.

The Service Commissions Department is required to furnish copies of documents only when they are in our possession or where we can retrieve them from storage.  

Documents exempt from inspection include: -

•    Internal working documents
•    Documents subject to legal privilege
•    Documents affecting personal privacy
•    Documents containing material obtained in confidence
•    Documents to which secrecy provisions apply

A request will not be processed to the extent that it asks for information, which is currently available in the public domain, either from the Service Commissions Department or from another public authority, for example brochures and pamphlets.

The report is forwarded to the Public Service Commission who having regard to the report of the IO and the Public Officers response decides whether or no he should be charged with an offence.