Freedom of Information

How to Apply for Information Under The Freedom of Information Act

Applications under The Freedom of Information Act, 1997

Under the Freedom of Information Act, 1997 a person may apply for access to records not otherwise publicly available. The Act gives right of access (subject to certain Exemptions) to:

• All records created after commencement of this Act for the Border, Midland and Western Regional Assembly - i.e. 21st April 1998.

• Such records created before that date as may be required to understand records created after commencement of the Act.

• Personal records regardless of when created.

• In the case of Staff Members, Personnel Records created from a date three years before commencement of the Act.

• A right to seek correction of personal information relating to oneself, held by the Border, Midland and Western Regional Assembly, where it is inaccurate, incomplete, or misleading.

• A right of access to reasons for decisions made by the Border, Midland and Western Regional Assembly directly affecting oneself.

Freedom of Information - Making a request

Applications for information under this Act should be addressed to:

Mr. Gerry Lavelle,
Freedom of Information Officer,
The Border, Midland and Western Regional Assembly,
The Square,
Ballaghaderreen,
Co. Roscommon.
Phone: 094 9862970
Fax: 094 9862973
Email: glavelle@bmwassembly.ie

Each request must be in writing and must state that the information is sought under the Freedom of Information Act, 1997. The person requesting information may use the Standard Form entitled "Request for Information under the Freedom of Information Act", which may be obtained from the above address, but this is not essential.

Should you wish to receive the information in any particular form, e.g. photocopy, computer disk etc., you should indicate this in your request.

Please give as much detail as possible to enable the Assembly to identify the records to which you require access. If you have difficulty in identifying the precise records which you require, we will be happy to assist you in preparing your request.

An acknowledgement of your request will be issued within two weeks of receiving it.

A decision on your request will be issued within four weeks of our receiving it, unless the request relates to such a number of records that compliance within the specified time is not reasonably possible, in which case a time extension not exceeding a further four weeks may be allowed. You must be notified of the period of the time extension and the reasons therefore.

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