Legal Aid Board’s Freedom of Information (FOI) Publication Scheme
Introduction
The Board has prepared and published this Publication Scheme concerning information of the Board which is consistent with a Model Publication Scheme and Guidelines made by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform under section 8 of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 2014.
This Scheme comes into effect on the 14th April, 2016.
Purpose of the Scheme
The Scheme commits the Board to prepare and publish as much information as possible in an open and accessible manner on a routine basis outside of FOI, having regard to the principles of openness, transparency and accountability as set out in Sections 8(5) and 11(3) of the FOI Act. This allows for the publication or giving of records outside of FOI provided that such publication or giving of access is not prohibited by law.
The FOI Act 2014 enables members of the public to obtain access, to the greatest extent possible, consistent with the public interest and the right to privacy, information in the possession of public bodies, and accordingly, to provide for a right of access to records held by such bodies.
The Act requires that in preparing, reviewing or revising this publication scheme, the Board shall have regard to the public interest in: (a) allowing public access to information held by the Board
(b) the publication of reasons for decisions made by the Board and
(c) publishing information of relevance or interest to the general public in relation to its activities and functions generally.
Publication Methods
Under this Scheme, the Board shall:
• Set out information to assist members of the public in their understanding of the Board and its functions
• Publish the information it holds grouped under the information headings set out in the table below and
• Explain the procedures to get access to information or to establish what information the Board holds.
The information in the Board’s publication scheme is set out in the table below under 6 different headings. The scheme is web based with links from it to relevant information under the 6 headings which will be updated as provided for under the Act. A hardcopy will be available for viewing by appointment also.
Review and Updating of Publication Scheme
The Board will review and update this publication scheme, including the material published under the publication scheme, on an annual basis. In the case of procurement or purchase order spends, information will be updated on a quarterly basis.
General Right of Access
In addition to this Publication Scheme, the Board also makes information available through a general right of access: A General Right of Access – is when the information you seek is not contained in our Publication Scheme and you exercise your right under the FOI Act 2014 and make a formal application for information. Find out more about making an application under the FOI Act 2014.
Further Information
For more information on the Publication Scheme please contact the FOI Unit at 066 947 1000 or email info@legalaidboard.ie.
