Overview of FOI Process
The following points outline the process the Department adopts for handling requests under the Freedom of Information Act 1992.
- The Department usually has a maximum of 45 calendar days to deal with an FOI application and to decide if access to the documents will be granted.
- The applicant can negotiate a shorter or longer period with the agency. If an agreement cannot be reached,an applicant has a right to apply to the Information Commissioner to reduce the time allowed for the Department to deal with the application.
- The Department must provide a written notice of its decision to the applicant informing them whether they will be provided with access to all or some of the documents requested. If access is refused to any documents or parts of any documents, the written notice must provide the applicant with the reasons for the decision and explain the applicant’s rights of review under the FOI Act.
- Applicants who are dissatisfied with a decision of the agency are entitled to ask for an internal review by the agency. Application should be made in writing within 30 days of receiving the notice of decision.
- The applicant will be notified of the outcome of the review within 15 days.
- If the applicant disagrees with the result the applicant can apply to the Information Commissioner for an external review within 60 days of receiving this decision.