Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have a question on the topic of search and retrieval fees, which I have raised on previous occasions. Last July I published a freedom of information (amendment) Bill which proposed a cap on search and retrieval fees. I submitted parliamentary questions last year requesting the average and the maximum level of search and retrieval fees in each Department. I give the Department of Social Protection full praise. It is one of the busiest Departments but it does not charge any fee for anything. Fair dues to it. Other Departments charged average fees of €48. Last year following a budget I submitted a request for background information on the persons who had submitted FOI requests. I was informed the fee was €1,300. That killed the requests there and then. An unfair search and retrieval fee of €1,500 will kill off most requests. I ask the Information Commissioner to clarify the situation. Is an internal review required to query the search and retrieval fee? We are a little confused as to whether one must pay a fee of €75 for a review.