Increase in FoI charges ‘could dissuade requests for appeal’

THE scale of new charges for Freedom of Information (FoI) appeals could act as a disincentive to those considering an appeal, Information Commissioner Emily O’Reilly warned yesterday.

A statement from Ms O’Reilly said the progressive nature of the charges could act as a financial disincentive to people exercising the right of appeal.

“Where their requests are refused they may feel dissuaded, on grounds of cost, from making an application for internal review or appeal to the commissioner.