What is the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act?
The Freedom of Information Act, 1997 (amended by Freedom of Information (Amendment) Act, 2003) gives the public the right to access records held by Government Departments and certain public bodies.
A person does not have to specify why access to particular records is required and the Government Department or body concerned must provide an explanation to the requester if access to any record being sought is refused. (See Right to Know)
