Government Departments in Northern Ireland received 592 requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 in the third quarter of 2005.
The number of requests confirms that Freedom of Information (FOI) is now well established in Northern Ireland.
Jeff Rooker, Minister with responsibility for the implementation of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 in Northern Ireland, said: "The statistics show that Government Departments in Northern Ireland are continuing to meet their obligations under the Freedom of Information Act, maintaining the performance achieved in the first two quarters of 2005.
"However, we must not be complacent. There is always room for improvement and we will endeavour to improve upon the high level of performance achieved during the first nine months."
The Minister also underlined the positive impact FOI is having in Northern Ireland, highlighting the broad range of information disclosed concerning key areas of public interest.
"In response to requests Government Departments have disclosed information regarding Water Reform, the Review of Public Administration and Post-Primary Education."
Key figures drawn from the performance statistics show that:
- NI Departments have met the deadline of 20 working days in 92% (89%) of cases; the overall figure for Whitehall Departments of State is 74%
- 76% (71%) of requests for information have been granted in full; the overall figure for Whitehall Departments of State is 61%; and
- Only 9% (12%) of requests for information have been withheld in full; the overall figure for Whitehall Departments of State is 14%.
- (The figures in brackets are for the 2nd quarter, and are supplied again for the purpose of comparison)
Notes to Editors:
- A detailed set of statistics for Whitehall Departments relating to FOI performance during the third quarter of full implementation will be published at http://www.foi.gov.uk
- 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
- 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.
