FOI

Freedom of Information

Freedom of Information (FOI) Questions

What records are covered by the FOI Act?

The Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse is an independent statutory body which is a public body for the purposes of the Freedom of Information Act 2014. However it should be noted that the records of the Commission other than those records relating to the general administration of the Commission are not covered by the Act.

This means that the FOI Act confers a right of access to records concerning general administration of the Commission only. The FOI Act 2014 applies in the case of the Commission with effect from the 14 April 2014 and retrospectively covers only the administrative records of the Commission created on or after the 21 April 2008. All other records of the Commission continue to remain outside the scope of the Act.

How does FOI work?

The Act requires public bodies to respond to requests from the public for information and in most cases, these bodies must give their decision on a request within 4 weeks of receiving it.

How can I make a FOI Request to the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse?

You should send a request either, in writing or by email, to the

Freedom of Information Officer, Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse St Stephens Green House Earlsfort Terrace Dublin 2

E-mail:foi@cica.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)

Alternatively, you may download the Application form available on this website and submit this to the FOI Officer at the above address. A response will be given no later than 4 weeks upon receipt of Request.

Can I get access to any information that I seek?

The following Commission records come within the scope of the FOI Acts: Administrative records created on or after the 21 April 2008. However, in order to allow Commission business to be properly conducted, it will sometimes be necessary to exempt from release certain types of information in some circumstances. These exemptions are set out in the Act. Requests may also be refused where they are deemed too voluminous or unclear but the Commission 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 on the search and retrieval of records, as well as for any reproduction costs incurred by the Commission 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 charge of €500 applies.

Where the cost of search, retrieval and copying is greater than €700, the body can refuse to process the request.

Details of actual charges relating to your request will be notified to you in writing. Payment should be made by way of Electronic Funds Transfer. Please contact the FOI Unit for details.

A list of relevant fees is set out below:

List of Fees

• There is no charge for submitting a request • Search and Retrieval – €20 per hour (for requests that exceed the €100 minimum in terms of search, retrieval and copying), subject to the ceilings mentioned above.

• €0.04 per sheet for a photocopy • Internal review fee €30 (€10 for medical card holders)

• Appeal to the Information Commissioner €50 (€15 for medical card holders) [If you are claiming a reduced application fee, the request must be accompanied by the Medical Card registration number, issuing authority name and your consent to the verification of these details with that authority.]

What if I am not satisfied with the decision on my FOI request?

You may appeal any decision issued by the Commission by writing to the Freedom of Information Officer, Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse, St Stephens Green House, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2 Email foi@cica.ie, seeking an Internal Review of the matter. A fee of €30 (€10 for medical card holders) may apply for such an appeal. 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 the Commission 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: +353 (1) 639 5689
Locall: 1890 22 30 30
Fax: +353 (1) 639 5674

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.

Where can I get more information on FOI?

Further information on FOI is available from:

The Freedom of Information Officer,
Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse,
St Stephens Green House,
Earlsfort Terrace,
Dublin 2.

Tel: +353 (1) 6624444
Fax: +353 (1) 6624935

E-mail: foi@cica.ie

The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform,
Central Policy Unit,
Floor 3,
7-9 Merrion Row,
Dublin 2

Tel: +353 (1) 631 8258

The Information Commissioner,
18 Lower Leeson Street,
Dublin 2

Tel: +353 (1) 639 5689
Locall: 1890 253 238
Fax: +353 (1) 639 5674

E-mail: info@oic.gov.ie