Can I appeal a decision?

• Yes. If you are not satisfied with the decision on an FOI request, you may ask the department or body for an “internal review” of the decision. A more senior officer will review your application. You will be told the result of this review within 3 weeks.
• If you are not satisfied with the decision on “internal review”, you may ask the Information Commissioner to review the matter.

Is there a charge for appealing a decision of a public body?

• A fee of €30 must accompany an application for internal review of a decision of a public body.
• A reduced fee of €10 applies if you are covered by a medical card.
• There is no fee for internal review applications concerning only personal information relating to oneself or in relation to a decision to impose a fee or deposit.
• A fee of €50 must accompany most applications for review by the Information Commissioner.
• A reduced fee of €15 applies if you are covered by a medical card or in relation to a review concerning certain third party information.
• There is no fee for review applications concerning only personal information relating to oneself or in relation to decisions to impose fees or deposits.