{"id":1660,"date":"2015-10-14T09:56:05","date_gmt":"2015-10-14T08:56:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/foi.gov.ie\/?page_id=1660"},"modified":"2016-09-12T12:55:40","modified_gmt":"2016-09-12T11:55:40","slug":"fees","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/foi.gov.ie\/ga\/members-area\/members-faq\/fees\/","title":{"rendered":"Fees"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS IN RELATION TO FEES<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Refer to the <a href=\"https:\/\/foi.gov.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/New-PBs-briefing-session-140115.pptx\">New PBs briefing session 140115<\/a>\u00a0and the <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/foi.gov.ie\/regulations\/freedom-of-information-act-fees-no-2-regulations-2014\/\"><strong><u>Freedom of Information Act (Fees) (No. 2) Regulations 2014<\/u><\/strong><\/a>\u00a0for additional information in relation to fees.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a style=\"display:none;\" class=\"collapse-text\" id=\"te724591449\" href=\"javascript:expand('#te724591449')\">Is there an upfront fee for an FOI request?<\/a>\n<div class=\"te_div\" id=\"te724591449\"><script language=\"JavaScript\" type=\"text\/javascript\">expander_hide('#te724591449');<\/script><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>No. The Upfront FOI application fee was abolished.<strong><br \/>\n<\/div><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><a style=\"display:none;\" class=\"collapse-text\" id=\"te1352625878\" href=\"javascript:expand('#te1352625878')\">Is there a charge for personal information?<\/a>\n<div class=\"te_div\" id=\"te1352625878\"><script language=\"JavaScript\" type=\"text\/javascript\">expander_hide('#te1352625878');<\/script><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong> Generally No. Section 27(1) states that there are no charges when the records relate to the personal information of the requester.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>However &#8211;<\/p>\n<p>Section 27(4) allows for the charging of fees, in circumstances where the records relate to a significant number of records. When considering whether this charge should be levied the means of the requester should be taken into account. In practice however, this provision is rarely used and the provision of personal information is generally free.<br \/>\n<\/div><\/p>\n<p><strong><a style=\"display:none;\" class=\"collapse-text\" id=\"te96754890\" href=\"javascript:expand('#te96754890')\">Are the search and retrieval charges fees still \u20ac20.95 per hour<\/a>\n<div class=\"te_div\" id=\"te96754890\"><script language=\"JavaScript\" type=\"text\/javascript\">expander_hide('#te96754890');<\/script><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong> No. The cost associated with search and retrieval charges have been rounded down to \u20ac20.00 per hour, (Min \u20ac101 &#8211; Max \u20ac500 subject to \u20ac700 ceiling limit)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Other charges:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Photocopying charges remain at 0.04 cent per sheet.<\/li>\n<li>CD-ROM (compact disk read-only memory) charge is \u20ac10.00<\/li>\n<li>Radiograph (X-ray) charge is \u20ac6.00<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div><\/p>\n<p><strong><a style=\"display:none;\" class=\"collapse-text\" id=\"te1915202838\" href=\"javascript:expand('#te1915202838')\">Are their circumstances where reduced fees can be applied in respect of an FOI request?<\/a>\n<div class=\"te_div\" id=\"te1915202838\"><script language=\"JavaScript\" type=\"text\/javascript\">expander_hide('#te1915202838');<\/script><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong> Yes, Medical card holders and dependants of medical card holders can seek reduced fees in the following cases:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The fee for making an Internal review request in accordance with Section 21 is \u20ac10 for medical card holders<\/li>\n<li>The fee for making an Internal review request in accordance with Section 22 is \u20ac15 for medical card holders<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div><\/p>\n<p><strong><a style=\"display:none;\" class=\"collapse-text\" id=\"te648237526\" href=\"javascript:expand('#te648237526')\">If the search and retrieval costs amount is for example \u20ac350 is the first \u20ac100\u00a0free?<\/a>\n<div class=\"te_div\" id=\"te648237526\"><script language=\"JavaScript\" type=\"text\/javascript\">expander_hide('#te648237526');<\/script><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong> No. Where the fee falls below \u20ac100 <u>no cost<\/u> should be applied<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Where the fee is calculated at more than \u20ac101 but below \u20ac500 then the\u00a0full fee should be charged in this instance \u20ac350<br \/>\n<\/div><\/p>\n<p><strong><a style=\"display:none;\" class=\"collapse-text\" id=\"te1647675801\" href=\"javascript:expand('#te1647675801')\">If the search and retrieval charges for processing a request goes over the \u2018overall ceiling limit\u2019 of \u20ac700 and the requester refuses to refine the scope of the request and the FOI body decides to proceed and process the request, does the \u20ac500 appropriate maximum amount apply?<\/a>\n<div class=\"te_div\" id=\"te1647675801\"><script language=\"JavaScript\" type=\"text\/javascript\">expander_hide('#te1647675801');<\/script><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong> No. The \u20ac500 appropriate maximum amount does not apply. Section 27(12)(a)(iv) states that the requester must pay \u2018the full cost of the charges likely to be payable and subsection 5 shall apply\u2019.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Subsection 5 requires that the FOI body must request a deposit where search and retrieval costs applies<\/p>\n<p>The \u20ac500 (appropriate maximum amount) will, however, apply if the total final cost (actual cost), in respect of the records being released, falls between \u20ac500 and \u20ac700.<br \/>\n<\/div><\/p>\n<p><strong><a style=\"display:none;\" class=\"collapse-text\" id=\"te910635629\" href=\"javascript:expand('#te910635629')\">Can you charge search and retrieval fees if you do not ask for a deposit within two working weeks?<\/a>\n<div class=\"te_div\" id=\"te910635629\"><script language=\"JavaScript\" type=\"text\/javascript\">expander_hide('#te910635629');<\/script><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong> No. Section 27(5)(c) states that the FOI body must request a deposit no later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the request for an internal review. This has always been the case.<br \/>\n<\/div><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><a style=\"display:none;\" class=\"collapse-text\" id=\"te2111838327\" href=\"javascript:expand('#te2111838327')\">Can you charge for time spent on search, retrieval and copying of records refused?<\/a>\n<div class=\"te_div\" id=\"te2111838327\"><script language=\"JavaScript\" type=\"text\/javascript\">expander_hide('#te2111838327');<\/script><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong> No. Section 27(1) states that you can only charge search, retrieval and copying fees in respect of records actually granted.<br \/>\n<\/div><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong><a style=\"display:none;\" class=\"collapse-text\" id=\"te200937425\" href=\"javascript:expand('#te200937425')\">Do you have to request a deposit?<\/a>\n<div class=\"te_div\" id=\"te200937425\"><script language=\"JavaScript\" type=\"text\/javascript\">expander_hide('#te200937425');<\/script><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong> Yes. If the estimated fee is above \u20ac101, Section 27(5)(a) states that a deposit (not being less than 20 per cent of the total estimated cost) shall be charged by the FOI body.<br \/>\n<\/div><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><a style=\"display:none;\" class=\"collapse-text\" id=\"te1641224753\" href=\"javascript:expand('#te1641224753')\">Can an FOI body charge for preparing a schedule of records?<\/a>\n<div class=\"te_div\" id=\"te1641224753\"><script language=\"JavaScript\" type=\"text\/javascript\">expander_hide('#te1641224753');<\/script><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong> Yes. Section 27(2)(e) allows for the charging of costs associated with preparing a schedule specifying the records for consideration for release.<br \/>\n<\/div><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><a style=\"display:none;\" class=\"collapse-text\" id=\"te298909564\" href=\"javascript:expand('#te298909564')\">Can an FOI body reduce or waive fees?<\/a>\n<div class=\"te_div\" id=\"te298909564\"><script language=\"JavaScript\" type=\"text\/javascript\">expander_hide('#te298909564');<\/script><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong> Yes but only in the following circumstance. Section 27(6) states that the fee may be reduced or waived in the event that some or all of the information contained in the records would be of particular interest in understanding an issue of national importance.<br \/>\n<\/div><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><a style=\"display:none;\" class=\"collapse-text\" id=\"te187545031\" href=\"javascript:expand('#te187545031')\">Can an FOI body refuse an FOI request if a fee or deposit is not paid?<\/a>\n<div class=\"te_div\" id=\"te187545031\"><script language=\"JavaScript\" type=\"text\/javascript\">expander_hide('#te187545031');<\/script><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong> Yes. Section (15)(1)(h) an FOI body my refuse access to records if a fee or deposit has not been paid in relation to that request <strong>or<\/strong> in respect of a previous request by the same requester.<br \/>\n<\/div><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><a style=\"display:none;\" class=\"collapse-text\" id=\"te408103087\" href=\"javascript:expand('#te408103087')\">Does an FOI body have to return the deposit if an FOI Request is withdrawn?<\/a>\n<div class=\"te_div\" id=\"te408103087\"><script language=\"JavaScript\" type=\"text\/javascript\">expander_hide('#te408103087');<\/script><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong> Yes. Refer to <a href=\"https:\/\/foi.gov.ie\/regulations\/freedom-of-information-act-fees-no-2-regulations-2014\/\"><u>Section 6<\/u><\/a> Freedom of Information Act (Fees) (No. 2) Regulations 2014<br \/>\n<\/div><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><a style=\"display:none;\" class=\"collapse-text\" id=\"te786560863\" href=\"javascript:expand('#te786560863')\">Is there always a charge for an internal review?<\/a>\n<div class=\"te_div\" id=\"te786560863\"><script language=\"JavaScript\" type=\"text\/javascript\">expander_hide('#te786560863');<\/script><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong> No. In certain circumstances there is not charge for an internal review, these are:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Section 9 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Refusal to amend personal information<\/li>\n<li>Section 10 Refusal to give reasons for an act of the FOI body<\/li>\n<li>Section 21(1)(g) Decision to impose search and retrieval charges, appeal directly to the Office of the Information Commissioner.<\/li>\n<li>Section 27(4) Where the record contains only personal information relating to the applicant, including applications arising from requests under section 37(8).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div><\/p>\n<p><strong><a style=\"display:none;\" class=\"collapse-text\" id=\"te1539729712\" href=\"javascript:expand('#te1539729712')\">Does the clock stop if no internal review fee has been received?<\/a>\n<div class=\"te_div\" id=\"te1539729712\"><script language=\"JavaScript\" type=\"text\/javascript\">expander_hide('#te1539729712');<\/script><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong> No. In this instance the clock has not started. Section 27 (13)(a)(i) states that a fee shall be charged and Section 27(13)(b) states that an internal review request is not valid if no fee has been paid by the requester at the time of making the application for review.<br \/>\n<\/div><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><a style=\"display:none;\" class=\"collapse-text\" id=\"te492098117\" href=\"javascript:expand('#te492098117')\">Is VAT payable on search and retrieval charges (SRC) for FOI requests?<\/a>\n<div class=\"te_div\" id=\"te492098117\"><script language=\"JavaScript\" type=\"text\/javascript\">expander_hide('#te492098117');<\/script><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong> No. Release of Information under the Freedom of Information Act is considered to come under the scope of Article 4(5) of the European Community Sixth VAT Directive and as such charges are as outside the scope of VAT<br \/>\n<\/div><\/strong><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS IN RELATION TO FEES Refer to the New PBs briefing session 140115\u00a0and the Freedom of Information Act (Fees) (No. 2) Regulations 2014\u00a0for additional information in relation to fees. Is there an upfront fee for an FOI request? No. The Upfront FOI application fee was abolished. Is there a charge for personal information? &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/foi.gov.ie\/ga\/members-area\/members-faq\/fees\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Fees<\/span> <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1973,"featured_media":0,"parent":1213,"menu_order":28,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/foi.gov.ie\/ga\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1660"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/foi.gov.ie\/ga\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/foi.gov.ie\/ga\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/foi.gov.ie\/ga\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1973"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/foi.gov.ie\/ga\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1660"}],"version-history":[{"count":33,"href":"https:\/\/foi.gov.ie\/ga\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1660\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2694,"href":"https:\/\/foi.gov.ie\/ga\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1660\/revisions\/2694"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/foi.gov.ie\/ga\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1213"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/foi.gov.ie\/ga\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1660"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}