Who decides if I get access?
If the information requested is already open to the public........
you can get access straight away by visiting PRONI. Alternatively, you can use the PRONI search service or hire an independent commercial researcher to locate and provide the relevant information for you.
you can get access straight away by visiting PRONI. Alternatively, you can use the PRONI search service or hire an independent commercial researcher to locate and provide the relevant information for you.
If the information requested is currently closed to the public........
Will I get access to all the information I request?
PRONI has a duty to reply to your request and provide the information asked for unless specific FOI exemptions apply. In this instance, you may not be permitted to access some or all of the information you have requested.Who decides if I get access?
PRONI is the custodian of public records relating to Northern Ireland, however, it is not solely responsible for deciding what may or may not be opened to the public. Under the Freedom of Information Act, PRONI has a duty to consult with the relevant Responsible Authority in order to reach a decision.What is the Responsible Authority?
The Responsible Authority is the government department or public body which is currently responsible for the function or activities to which a record relates.In some instances the public body that created the record is still in existence and is still responsible for exercising the same functions.
For example:
- Coroners and other court records – PRONI must consult with the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service
- Prison records – PRONI must consult with the Northern Ireland Prison Service or the Northern Ireland Office
In other instances the official body that created the records no longer exists, but a current government department / public body will have taken over responsibility for the services or activities carried out by its predecessor.
For example:
- Board of Guardians (Workhouse records) – PRONI must consult with the Department of Health, Social Services & Public Safety (DHSSPS)
- Northern Ireland Cabinet files – PRONI must consult with the Office of the First Minister & Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM)
How is the decision reached?
The Responsible Authority will review the information that you have requested and will advise PRONI if the record can be released in full or if FOI exemptions apply to some or all of the information.PRONI and the Responsible Authority will consider the public interest in releasing the closed information as part of the decision making process.
If I am unhappy with the decision, can I appeal?
You have the right to complain if you are unhappy with the way we handle your request, or with the decision which has been reached.
If I am unhappy with the decision, can I appeal?
You have the right to complain if you are unhappy with the way we handle your request, or with the decision which has been reached.The letter or email you receive in response to your FOI request will provide details of the complaints / appeals procedure. For further details, see making an FOI request about public records.
