Freedom of Information - Section 16 Publication

Rules, Practices, Procedures and Guidelines

Under Section 16 of the Act, each public body must publish the following:

• Rules, procedures, practices, guidelines and interpretations used by the body

• An index of any precedents kept by the body,

which may be used in making decisions, determinations or recommendations under any enactment or scheme administered by the body, with respect to:

1. Rights, privileges or benefits to which members of the public are or may be entitled.

2. Obligations, penalties or other sanctions to which members of the public are or may be subject.

Whereas a host of procedures and regulations are used by the Assembly in the discharge of its functions i.e.

• EU Directives

• National Legislation (Acts of the Oireachtas and statutory instruments)

• Adopted Policies of the Assembly

• In-house procedures

There is very little direct dealings with members of the public and the Assembly does not administer any scheme at present to which members of the public are entitled. The following information may be relevant to members of the public:

Functions of Director

At the inaugural meeting of the Border, Midland and Western Regional Assembly held on Friday 8th October 1999, functions relating to the administration and management of the Assembly and all functions in relation to the employment of personnel were delegated to the Director of the Assembly.

Staff Recruitment

The number and grades of staff for the Assembly are determined by the Department of the Environment and Local Government. Whereas the position of Director is advertised by the Local Appointments Commission, all other grades are advertised by the Assembly itself. Vacancies are published in the National newspapers as they arise. Terms and conditions of employment are as determined by the Department of the Environment and Local Government.

Meetings of the Assembly

Meetings of the Assembly are held every two months. The schedule and date of the meetings is determined at the first meeting each year. Members of the media and the public are entitled to be present at every meeting of the Assembly but are not allowed to participate in the discussions or debates. Deputations may be received by the Assembly on any matter relative to the business of the Assembly. Requests for deputations must be submitted in writing to the Director who will submit the request to the next meeting of the Assembly, or may be submitted via a member of the Assembly.

The Prompt Payment of Accounts Act, l997

This Act came into effect for the Assembly on the 2nd January 2001 and provides for prompt payment for the supply of goods and services and specifies the timeframes allowed. The Act also sets out the circumstances in which the payment of an interest penalty is required.

Tenders and Quotations

Tenders and quotations for the supply of goods and services are sought by the Assembly from time to time. Each request for tenders and quotations specifies the selection criteria applicable in each particular case.

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