Ireland

Name of law: Freedom of Information Act
First adopted: 2003
Last modified: 2014-10
RTI Rating last updated: 2015-08

Introduction

Ireland’s law is slightly above average and relatively strong from among Western European countries. The law’s best performance is in the area of appeals, which provides for an internal appeal and an external appeal to an independent administrative oversight body which can make binding decisions and can impose structural remedies on public authorities, although it has a limited mandate in terms of promotional measures. A particular weakness is the regime of exceptions, fully eight of which are not considered to be legitimate, with several others lacking a harm test and no public interest override being provided for. There is a relatively strong system of sanctions and protections, and many of the better practice promotional measures are also provided for.

Local Experts: Maeve McDonagh, Gavin Sheridan