Freedom of Information for Decision Makers is an intensive one-day course for people charged with making decisions in relation to applications for information under the Freedom of Information Act, 1997 and subsequent Freedom of Information (amendment) Act, 2003.

The purpose of this programme is to bring participants through the different aspects of the consolidated version of the Act and to explore with them the implications for their organisations. The programme will make extensive use of case studies that will allow participants to reflect on their understanding of the Act and the meaning of the various sections. By the end of the programme, participants should feel more confident when dealing with an application for information under FOI. The programme outline is described below.

• History and origins of FOI
• Benefits and Aims of the Act
• Handling requests for information
• What records can be requested
• How are applications processed
• Grounds for refusal of requests
• Making a decision and statements of reasons
• Processes for handling requests – injury tests
• Release of information – stage release, proof of identity, deferral
• Understanding the Public Interest

Detailed examination of exemptions
Section 20 - deliberations of public bodies
Section 21 – functions and negotiations of public bodies
Section 22 – parliamentary, court and certain other matters
Section 23 – law, enforcement and public safety
Section 24 – security defence and international relations
Section 26 – information obtained in confidence
Section 27 – commercially sensitive information
Section 28 – personal information
Section 29 - Procedure for consulting with third parties
Section 30 – research and natural resources
Section 31 – financial and economic interests of the State and public bodies
Section 32 – Enactments relating to non-disclosure of records

Other relevant sections for decision makers

• Section 17 – Amendment of Personal Information
• Section 18 – Reasons for decisions – in-depth analysis
• Section 45 – Immunity from legal proceedings
• High Court Orders
• Legal Advices from the Attorney General
• Decisions of the Information Commissioner
• Where to get help
• Questions and Answers

Date: 23 February 2012 OR 26 April 2012
If this course is scheduled to take place soon, it can be Booked Online or send us your details to be kept informed of the next scheduled date.