Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 147: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht 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. [10401/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department was established on 2 June 2011. I am advised that 27 requests for information were submitted under the Freedom of Information Acts to my Department between 2 June 2011 and the end of that year. Section 47 of the Freedom of Information Acts provides for fees to be charged, as appropriate, for the process of searching for, retrieving and making copies of the records that are to be released. I am advised that, of the 27 requests submitted to my Department during 2011, such fees were considered applicable in two cases and that fees were charged of €157.87 and €22.99 respectively. No cases arose whereby a request was not completed following non-payment of the search and retrieval fee sought.