Freedom Of Information Strides Ahead In The North

First Minister Peter Robinson MP, MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP, MLA have welcomed the publication of the third Northern Ireland annual report on Freedom of Information (FOI)

The new figures show that the eleven government departments have responded well over the last three years to the challenges set by FOI legislation.

In releasing the report, the First Minister and deputy First Minister reflected on an eventful year for Freedom of Information, as the new culture of openness and transparency continued to embed itself within the Civil Service in the North.

Peter Robinson said: "Our Departments have maintained their good performance in terms of responding to requests for information on time and in disclosing information. This steady flow of information about the business of government will be balanced against the need to protect personal information entrusted to us by the public."

Looking into the future Mr McGuinness pointed to an opportunity to further extend public access to government information.

Mr McGuinness said: "The emerging new model publication schemes for Departments will play a crucial role in ensuring that information about the work of the Executive is disseminated proactively."

Between them, the eleven Departments received a total of 3,164 FOI requests during 2007 - a 5.69% reduction on the 3,355 requests received in 2006, and a 0.47% reduction on the 3,179 requests received in 2005.

62% of these requests were received from members of the public with 13% from businesses and 11% from the media.

91% of the requests received were answered 'in time', in that they either received an answer within 20 working days or within a permitted time extension, with information being fully disclosed in 76% of cases.

The most commonly used exemption (for withholding information) was 'personal information', followed by 'commercial interests' and 'health and safety'.

95 requests for internal reviews were received in 2007 (compared to 77 in 2006), with the original decision being upheld in full or in part in 94% of cases where the outcome was known at the time of reporting.