The Act asserts the right of members of the public to obtain access to official information to the greatest extent possible consistent with the public interest and the right to privacy of individuals. The Act is designed to allow public access to information held by public bodies which is NOT routinely available through other sources. Access to information under the Act is subject to certain exemptions and involves specific procedures and time limits.

The Freedom of Information (Amendment) Act 2003 introduced a number of amendments notably in relation to fees. Upfront fees now apply to all non -personal FOI requests under Section 7 of the FOI Act (requests for access to records) and applications under Section 14 (Internal Review) and Section 34 (Review by the Information Commissioner).

The Civil Defence Board has produced two reference books in accordance with the requirements of the Act. Its purpose is to facilitate access to official information held by the Board.

The Guide to Functions and Records of the Civil Defence Board - Section 15 Reference Book, outlines the functions performed by the Board, the services provided and how they may be availed of, and the records held by the organisation.

The Guide to Rules and Practices of the Civil Defence Board - Section 16 Reference Book, outlines the regulatory and administrative framework in which the Board operates.

View section 15/16

The Board currently makes information routinely available to the public in relation to its functions, activities and schemes. Such information will continue to be available informally without the need to use the FOI Acts. This reference book highlights where information of this nature is available.

The Strategy Plan to 2007 for the Board is probably the most important source document.

How to Make a Freedom of Information Request

The following records come within the scope of the Act:

We are obliged to respond to a FOI request within 4 weeks.

Applications for information under the FOI Act in relation to the Civil Defence Board should be addressed to:

Ms. Eileen Joyce
Civil Defence Board
Benamore
Roscrea
Co Tipperary
Phone: 0505 25141
Fax: 0505 25344
Email: eileen.joyce@defence.irlgov.ie


Applications should be in writing and should indicate that the information is sought under the FOI Act. If information is desired in a particular form, e.g. photocopy or computer disk, this should also be mentioned in your application. Please give as much detail as possible to enable us to identify the information required. If you have difficulty in identifying the precise information which you require, we will be happy to assist you in preparing your request. In the interests of protecting personal information and ensuring that this is only made available to those entitled to it, please include a telephone number when writing to us, or provide some means whereby we can check that you are who you say you are.