What is Freedom of Information (FOI)?
The FOI Act 2014 provides that every person has the following legal rights:
- The right to access official records held by Milford Care Centre and all public bodies that conform to the provisions of Section 6 of the Act;
- The right to have personal information held on them corrected or updated where such information is incomplete, incorrect or misleading; and
- The right to be given reasons for decisions taken by public bodies that affect them.
These rights mean that from a certain date people can seek access to personal information held on them.
How does FOI work?
The Act requires public bodies to respond to requests from the public for information they hold. In most cases, public bodies must give their decision on a request within 4 weeks of receiving it.
How can I make a FOI request to Milford Care Centre?
You should send a request either in writing or by e-mail to:
Freedom of Information Officer,
Milford Care Centre,
Castletroy,
Limerick.
Tel: 061 485800
E-mail: c.murray@milfordcc.ie
Your request should include the following:
A statement that the request is being made under the FOI Act
As much information as possible about the records being sought
In what format you wish to receive any records released (e.g. photocopies).
Can I get access to any information that I seek?
The following records come within the scope of the FOI Acts:
All records relating to personal information held by Milford Care Centre, irrespective of when they were created
All other records created from the commencement of the FOI Act (21 April 1998)
Any records necessary to the understanding of a current record, even if created prior to 21 April 1998
Personnel records of serving staff created from 21 April 1995 and those created prior to that date where being used or proposed to be used in a way which adversely affects or may affect the person involved.
However, in order to allow Hospice business to be properly conducted, it will sometimes be necessary to exempt from release certain types of information in some circumstances. These are set out in the Act. Among the key exemptions are records relating to:
- Law enforcement and security
- Confidential and commercially sensitive information
- Personal information (other than information relating to the person making the request).
Requests may also be refused if they are deemed too voluminous or unclear, but Milford Care Centre is obliged to assist the requester in trying to overcome this.
Is there a charge for getting information under the FOI Act?
There is no charge for submitting a request. In respect of non-personal requests, other charges may be applied for the time spent finding records and for any reproduction costs incurred by the Hospice in providing you with the material requested (search, retrieval and copying charges). Where the cost of search, retrieval and copying is less than €101, no fee is charged. Where the cost of search, retrieval and copying is greater than €500, but less than €700, a maximum of €500 applies. Where the cost of search, retrieval and copying is greater than €700, the Hospice can refuse to process the request. Details of actual charges relating to your request will be notified to you in writing. A deposit of 20% of the overall fee will be required before proceeding with processing the request.
List of fees:
There is no charge for submitting a request
Search and retrieval – €20 per hour (for requests that exceed €100 minimum in terms of search, retrieval and copying), subject to the ceilings mentioned above.
€0.04 per sheet of photocopy
Internal review fee €30 (€10 for medical card holders)
Appeal to the Information Commissioner €50 (€15 for medical card holders).
What if I am not satisfied with the decision of my FOI request?
You may appeal any decision issued by Milford Care Centre by writing to the Freedom of Information Officer, Milford Care Centre, Castletroy, Limerick, 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.
You should make your appeal within 4 weeks from the date of response (although late appeals may be permitted in certain circumstances). The appeal will involve a complete reconsideration of the matter by a more senior member of staff of Milford Care Centre 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 appeal the decision within six months by writing to the Office of the Information Commissioner. If you make an appeal the Information Commissioner will fully investigate and consider the matter and issue a fresh decision. All appeals should be addressed to:
The Information Commissioner,
18 Lower Leeson Street
Dublin 2.
Tel: (01) 6395689
Local: 1890 223030
E-mail: info@oic.ie
A fee of €50 (€15 for medical card holders) may apply for such an application. Again, there is no fee for appeals to the Office of the Information Commissioner concerning only personal information relating to oneself or in relation to a decision to impose a fee or deposit.
Can I get help in making a request?
Yes. If you require any help the FOI Officer will be happy to assist you in the formulation of your request.
Do I need to make a FOI request to get information from Milford Care Centre?
No. Milford Care Centre routinely makes information available to the public through information leaflets, publications, and administrative access. This will continue. FOI provides an additional source of information by facilitating access to records not made routinely available.
More comprehensive information on Freedom of Information, including the text of the Freedom of Information Act 2014 is available at foi.gov.ie.