Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 116: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of freedom of information requests received by him in 2011; the number of requests for which a search and retrieval fee was sought; the maximum fee sought by him in respect of a request received; the number of requests not proceeded following the non payment of the search and retrieval fee sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10410/12]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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A total of 72 requests were received by my Department under the Freedom of Information Act in 2011. Of that number, three requests attracted 'search and retrieval' fees, in accordance with Section 47 of the FOI Act. It should be noted that under the Freedom of Information Act, decision makers are obliged, except in a few limited circumstances, to charge search and retrieval fees where significant search and retrieval of records is involved. In relation to the three requests, the maximum individual fee sought was €83.80. There were no instances in 2011 that a request did not proceed on the basis of a request for a search and retrieval fee.