What is FOI
The Freedom of Information Act provides that from 21 April 1998, every person has the following rights:
- The right to access official records held by public bodies, including Tallaght Hospital.
- The right to have personal information amended where such information is incomplete, incorrect or misleading.
- The right to be given reasons for decisions taken by public bodies that affect them.
Please note that recent amendments to the Freedom of Information Act can be found at www.foi.gov.ie
How does it work in this Hospital?
- From 21 October 1999, the Act requires this Hospital to respond to requests from the public for information that it holds.
- Our Hospital must acknowledge receipt of each request within two weeks of receipt of the request.
- In most cases, the Hospital must give its decision within four weeks of receipt of the request.
- Hospital staff must assist the requester put their request in such a way that it complies with the Act.
- Proof of identity will be sought before access to personal information is granted.
- The Hospital must produce reference manuals setting out the organisational structure and the guidelines or practices used in the Hospital. These are know as the Section 15 and Section 16 manuals.
How can a Freedom of Information request be made?
Requests must be in writing and addressed to:
Freedom of Information Officer
Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Dublin, Incorporating the National Children's Hospital
Tallaght
Dublin 24
For further information, please email us at foi@amnch.ie or phone (01) 414 2333.
- In a written request, it must be stated that the request is made under the Freedom of Information Act 1997. (In cases where the Hospital is not clear what records are being requested, it must assist the requester to put his/her request in such a way that the records being sought can be identified.
- It is helpful to specify as many details as possible about the record you request and your personal details that might help us retrieve the record.
Must all requests for information be made under Freedom of Information?
No. You may be able to obtain the information you request by other means. Copies of a person's own medical record can be accessed by writing a request to:
Routine Access
Medical Records Department
Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Dublin, Incorporating the National Children's Hospital
Tallaght
Dublin 24
Tel: (01) 414 2420
Other personal information can be requested from the Head of the relevant department. Information is also available by way of information leaflets, annual reports, etc, published by the Hospital. If the information cannot be released routinely by a department, the requester will be advised accordingly and informed of their rights under the Freedom of Information Act.
Can I get access to any information that I seek?
Any official information held by public bodies can be sought under the Act. However, in defined circumstances, it will sometimes be necessary to exempt from release certain types of information. These are set out in Section 19-32 of the Act. Some key exemptions are records relating to:
- Personal information (other than information relating to the person making the request)
- Information supplied to the Hospital in confidence
- Law enforcement and public safety
- Commercially sensitive information
- Deliberations of the Hospital
- Functions and negotiations of the Hospital
What can I do if I am unhappy with a decision on my request, e.g. where access has been refused, deferred or only partially granted?
- You are entitled to have the decision reviewed by an internal reviewer within the Hospital
- You are entitled to have the decision made by an internal reviewer reviewed by the Information Commissioner
- There is a provision to appeal to the High Court on a point of law only
When you are being advised of your review rights by the Hospital, details of internal reviewers and/or the Information Commissioners will be provided.
Is there a charge for accessing information under the Freedom of Information Act?
In relation to copies of personal records, there is no such charge, but in the event of the copies being of huge volume, a photocopying charge may apply.
Where non-personal information is provided, a search and copying charge will usually apply.
Contact
Requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act must be in writing and addressed to:
Freedom of Information Officer
Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Dublin, Incorporating the National Children's Hospital
Tallaght
Dublin 24
For further information, please email us at foi@amnch.ie or phone (01) 414 2333.
How to Make a Request
How can a Freedom of Information request be made?
Requests must be in writing and addressed to:
Freedom of Information Officer
Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Dublin, Incorporating the National Children's Hospital
Tallaght
Dublin 24
For further information, please email us at foi@amnch.ie or phone (01) 414 2333.
- In a written request, it must be stated that the request is made under the Freedom of Information Act 1997. (In cases where the Hospital is not clear what records are being requested, it must assist the requester to put his/her request in such a way that the records being sought can be identified.
- It is helpful to specify as many details as possible about the record you request and your personal details that might help us retrieve the record.
Must all requests for information be made under Freedom of Information?
No. You may be able to obtain the information you request by other means. Copies of a person's own medical record can be accessed by writing a request to:
Routine Access
Medical Records Department
Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Dublin, Incorporating the National Children's Hospital
Tallaght
Dublin 24
Tel: 01 414 2420
Other personal information can be requested from the Head of the relevant department. Information is also available by way of information leaflets, annual reports, etc, published by the Hospital. If the information cannot be released routinely by a department, the requester will be advised accordingly and informed of their rights under the Freedom of Information Act.
Is there a charge for accessing information under the Freedom of Information Act?
In relation to copies of personal records, there is no such charge, but in the event of the copies being of huge volume, a photocopying charge may apply.
Where non-personal information is provided, a search and copying charge will usually apply.
