What is FOI?

The FOI Act provides, that from 21 April 1998, every person has the following legal rights:

• the right to access official records held by Government Departments or other public bodies listed in 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 21 April, 1998 people can seek access to personal information held on them no matter when the infomation was created, and to other records created after 21 April, 1998.

• How does FOI work?
• How do I make an FOI request?
• Will I be charged for requesting information under the FOI Act?
• How soon can a person making a request for records expect a reply?
• What's the next step if I am unhappy with a decision on my request?
• Can I get help in making a request?
• Links to further information relating to Freedom of Information