Freedom of Information (FOI) is now well established in Northern Ireland with Government Departments completing 1,141 requests within the first quarter.
Jeff Rooker, Minister with responsibility for the implementation of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 in Northern Ireland, said: "The statistics show that Northern Ireland Departments have performed very well in meeting their obligations under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 by providing a general right of access to information during the first three months of full implementation.
"However, we must not be complacent. There is always room for improvement and we will endeavour to improve upon the high level of performance of the first quarter."
Official figures show that:
- 89% of completed requests have met the deadline of 20 working days;
- 86% of completed requests for information have been granted in full; and
- Only 5% of completed requests for information have been withheld in full.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2000, which came into full effect on 1 January 2005, establishes a general right of access to information held by public authorities, and anyone, anywhere in the world can make a request.
- For further information on the FOI Act 2000 see the Department for Constitutional Affairs website: http://www.foi.gov.uk.
A detailed set of statistics for Whitehall Departments relating to FOI performance during the first three months of implementation, is being published on the same website.
- The Information Commissioner, Richard Thomas, who acts as an independent ‘watchdog’, will monitor how well public authorities perform their FOI obligations. He has enforcement powers and his mission is to promote public access to official information and to protect personal information. Further information is available at: www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk
- Media enquiries to: OFMDFM Press Office, Tel: 028 9052 8642.