How to appeal an FOI decision

How to appeal an FOI decision

You can seek an appeal if your request was refused (in full or part), if search/retrieval charges were applied, or if you did not receive a reply within the time limit.

When you can appeal

• Your request was refused or only part-granted.
• You are not satisfied with the form of access or with fees applied.
• No reply received in time: if you did not receive a decision within 20 working days of receipt of your request, this is treated as a refusal and you may proceed to internal review.

Stage 1 — Internal review (Courts Service)

Ask for an internal review within 20 working days of the original decision (or after 20 working days with no reply).

• Your review will be carried out by a more senior officer.
• We will issue the internal review decision within 15 working days of receiving your request.
• Fee: €30 standard / €10 medical card holder. No fee if the request concerns only your own personal information or is about a fee/deposit decision. See FOI fees for details.

How to request an internal review

Include your original FOI reference, what you are appealing, and your preferred contact details.

Stage 2 — Review by the Information Commissioner

If you are not satisfied with the internal review decision, you may apply to the Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC). You may also apply if you did not receive an internal review decision within 3 weeks.

• Fee: €50 standard / €15 medical card holder. No fee if the review concerns only your own personal information or a fee/deposit decision.

Stage 3 — Appeal to the High Court

Under Section 24 of the Freedom of Information Act 2014, a party to a review—or any other person affected by the Commissioner’s decision—may appeal to the High Court on a point of law.

Need help?

Contact the FOI Unit: FOI contact details. For fees, see FOI fees.