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Freedom of Information

Since the 14 April 2015, the Data Protection Commission (DPC) is partially subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2014.  The DPC is subject to the Freedom of Information Act only in respect of records concerning the general administration of the Commission, and only specifically those created after 21 April, 2008.  Consequently, records relating to, for example, the DPC’s supervisory, regulatory, consultation, complaint-handling or investigatory functions (including case files) are not releasable under the Act.

See Schedule 1, Part 1 “Partially included agencies” of the Freedom of Information Act 2014 at this link.

How to Make a Request:

A request for information under the Freedom of Information Act must be made in writing.

It should indicate that the information is being sought under the Freedom of Information Act.

The request should also be sufficiently clear for the DPC to identify the records sought. If the DPC is not clear as to the records being sought we will contact you to seek clarification. If you have difficulty in identifying the precise records which you require, the staff of the FOI Unit can assist with your request. Tel: +353 1 7650100.

If information is desired in a particular format (e.g. paper copy or electronic where possible) this should be stated in the request. It is advisable to supply a telephone number in order to facilitate the DPC contacting you in the event clarifications are needed.

Requests may be made by e-mail to: foi@dataprotection.ie

Requests may also be sent to: 
Data Protection Commission,
Freedom of Information Unit, 
21 Fitzwilliam Square South,
Dublin 2,
Ireland.

Please note that it is the policy of the DPC to publish FOI requests, under our disclosure log, on our website. The information displayed does not include any personal identification data.

To view our disclosure log please click here.

To view our Freedom of Information Publication Scheme please click here.

Time Limits:

  • An acknowledgement email will be sent within ten working days of receiving the request.
  • A reply to your original request will be issued with 20 working days.

If you have not received a reply within this time you can contact the DPC’s FOI Unit. Alternatively, you can appeal directly to the Office of the Information Commissioner if you have not received a reply within 4 weeks (20 working days).

Decisions:

Subject to the provisions of the Act, DPC may decide to:

  • Grant the request
  • Partly grant the request
  • Refuse the request.

If the request is to be granted, whether wholly or partly, DPC will determine the form and manner in which the response will be exercised, having regard to the requester's preference.

DPC will notify the requester of the decision. If the request is refused, whether wholly or in part, DPC is obliged to give reasons for the refusal.

Review Procedures:

Where a decision is made to refuse access to information, a person who is dissatisfied with the initial decision, or who has not received a reply within 20 working days (4 weeks) of the receipt of the request by DPC, may seek an internal review. This review will be carried out by an official at a higher grade than the original decision-maker. There is a 3 week (15 working days) limit on this review. If you are still unhappy, there is right of appeal for an external review to the Office of the Information Commissioner. This right may only be exercised when the decision is first appealed internally to the DPC.

Requests for internal review should be submitted in writing to: 

Data Protection Commission,
Freedom of Information Unit, 
21 Fitzwilliam Square South,
Dublin 2,
Ireland.

Or to: foi@dataprotection.ie

Fees:

There is no fee for making a request under the FOI Act. However, fees are applicable for internal reviews in cases where non-personal information is sought.

Fees may be charged for the cost of photocopying and there are also charges for the search and retrieval of other information. These will be advised if applicable.  

Review Process Fees:

Internal review for non-personal requests: fee €30 (€10 for medical card holders)

Note: For reduced fee proof of medical card may be necessary

Further information can be found at www.oic.ie/