Outrage over Freedom of Information request charges

CHARGES for Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to be introduced this month represent an unashamed attempt to limit the public’s access to Government information, critics said yesterday.

Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy last night said all non-personal FOI requests will now be subject to an up-front charge of €15. In addition to the hefty commissioner appeal charge, internal appeals will also be subject to a €75 charge from July 7.

Controversial changes made to the Act earlier this year paved the way for the introduction of the new charges.