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Number 13 of 1997
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT, 1997
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
Preliminary and General
Section | |
5. | Expenses. |
Access to Records
Exempt Records
The Information Commissioner
Miscellaneous
Precautions by High Court and Commissioner against disclosure of certain information. | |
Public Bodies
The Information Commissioner
Enactments Excluded from Application of Section 32
PART I
Statutes
PART II
Statutory Instruments
Acts Referred to | |
1988, No. 18 | |
1996, No. 21 | |
1990, No. 1 | |
Children Act, 1908 | 1908, c. 67 |
1956, No. 45 | |
1956, No. 46 | |
Civil Service Regulation Acts, 1956 and 1958 | |
1986, No. 14 | |
1963, No. 33 | |
Companies Acts, 1963 to 1990 | |
1991, No. 24 | |
Comptroller and Auditor General Acts, 1923 and 1993 | |
1963, No. 10 | |
1988, No. 25 | |
1954, No. 18 | |
1985, No. 9 | |
1977, No. 16 | |
1992, No. 7 | |
1977, No. 30 | |
1993, No. 30 | |
Exchequer and Audit Department Acts, 1866 and 1921 | |
1988, No. 26 | |
1976, No. 30 | |
1996, No. 11 | |
1986, No. 9 | |
1993, No. 19 | |
1946, No. 26 | |
1969, No. 14 | |
1990, No. 19 | |
1993, No. 27 | |
1980, No. 36 | |
1994, No. 18 | |
1995, No. 29 | |
1987, No. 10 | |
1926, No. 39 | |
1983, No. 28 | |
1941, No. 23 | |
1991, No. 2 | |
1978, No. 4 | |
1994, No. 25 | |
1924, No. 16 | |
1986, No. 11 | |
1984, No. 2 | |
1990, No. 18 | |
1939, No. 13 | |
1963, No. 1 | |
1980, No. 26 | |
1990, No. 25 | |
1968, No. 19 | |
1983, No. 26 | |
Public Offices Fees Act, 1879 | 1879, c. 58 |
Prisons Acts, 1826 to 1980 | |
1991, No. 9 | |
1987, No. 31 | |
1993, No. 14 | |
1989, No. 7 | |
Social Welfare Acts | |
1993, No. 27 | |
Tax Acts | |
1991, No. 22 | |
Transport (Re-organisation of Córas Iompair Éireann) Act, 1986 | 1986, No. 31 |
Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act, 1921 | 1921, c. 7 |
1979, No. 5 | |
1996, No. 4 | |
Number 13 of 1997
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT, 1997
PART I
Preliminary and General
Citation and commencement.
1.—(1) This Act may be cited as the Freedom of Information Act, 1997.
(2) Subject to subsection (3), this Act shall come into operation on the day that is one year after the date of its passing.
(3) Subparagraph (3) of paragraph 1 of the First Schedule shall come into operation on such day not later than 18 months after the passing of this Act as the Minister may appoint by order with the consent of the Minister for the Environment and subparagraph (4) of that paragraph shall come into operation on such day not later than 18 months after the passing of this Act as the Minister may appoint by order with the consent of the Minister for Health.
Interpretation.
2.—(1) In this Act, save where the context otherwise requires—
“commencement of this Act” means the time at which this Act (other than subparagraphs (3) and (4) of paragraph 1 of the First Schedule) comes into operation;
“the Commissioner” means, as the context may require, the office of Information Commissioner established by section 33 or the holder of that office;
“determined” means determined by the Minister and, in relation to a form, means determined having had appropriate regard to the needs of requesters, and cognate words shall be construed accordingly;
“director” means a director (within the meaning of the Companies Acts, 1963 to 1990) but includes, in the case of a local authority or health board or any other public body that is not a company (within the meaning of the Companies Act, 1963) or, being a body, organisation or group (other than a company) specified in subparagraph (b) (i), (c), (e), (f) or (g) of subparagraph (5) of paragraph 1 of the First Schedule, stands prescribed for the time being pursuant to that subparagraph, a person who is a member of it or a member of any board or other body that controls, manages or administers it, and any cognate words shall be construed accordingly;
“enactment” means a statute or an instrument made under a power conferred by a statute;
“exempt record” means—
(a) a record in relation to which the grant of a request under section 7 would be refused pursuant to Part III or by virtue of section 46, or
(b) a record that is created for or held by an office holder and relates to the functions or activities of—
(i) the office holder as a member of the Oireachtas or a political party, or
(ii) a political party;
“functions” includes powers and duties and references to the performance of functions include, with respect to powers and duties, references to the exercise of the powers and the carrying out of the duties;
“give” includes send, whether by post or electronic or other means, and cognate words shall be construed accordingly;
“head” means head of a public body;
“head of a public body” means—
(a) in relation to a Department of State, the Minister of the Government having charge of it,
(b) in relation to the Office of the Tánaiste, the Tánaiste,
(c) in relation to the Office of the Attorney General, the Attorney General,
(d) in relation to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Director of Public Prosecutions,
(e) in relation to the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General, the Comptroller and Auditor General,
(f) in relation to the Office of the Ombudsman, the Ombudsman,
(g) in relation to the Office of the Commissioner, the Commissioner,
(h) in relation to the Office of the Civil Service Commissioners, the Civil Service Commissioners,
(i) in relation to the Office of the Local Appointments Commissioners, the Local Appointments Commissioners,
(j) in relation to the Office of the Houses of the Oireachtas, the Chairman of Dáil Éireann,
(k) in relation to any other public body, the person who holds, or performs the functions of, the office of chief executive officer (by whatever name called) of the body;
“local authority” means a local authority for the purposes of the Local Government Act, 1941;
“the Minister” means the Minister for Finance;
“Office”, in relation to a person, means the offices in which the administration and business relating to the functions of the person are carried on;
“office holder” means—
(a) a person who is a Minister of the Government or a Minister of State, or
(b) a member of either House of the Oireachtas who holds the office of Attorney General;
“personal information” means information about an identifiable individual that—
(a) would, in the ordinary course of events, be known only to the individual or members of the family, or friends, of the individual, or
(b) is held by a public body on the understanding that it would be treated by it as confidential,
and, without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, includes—
(i) information relating to the educational, medical, psychiatric or psychological history of the individual,
(ii) information relating to the financial affairs of the individual,
(iii) information relating to the employment or employment history of the individual,
(iv) information relating to the individual in a record falling within section 6 (6) (a),
(v) information relating to the criminal history of the individual,
(vi) information relating to the religion, age, sexual orientation or marital status of the individual,
(vii) a number, letter, symbol, word, mark or other thing assigned to the individual by a public body for the purpose of identification or any mark or other thing used for that purpose,
(viii) information relating to the entitlements of the individual under the Social Welfare Acts as a beneficiary (within the meaning of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 1993) or required for the purpose of establishing whether the individual, being a claimant (within the meaning aforesaid), is such a beneficiary,
(ix) information required for the purpose of assessing the liability of the individual in respect of a tax or duty or other payment owed or payable to the State or to a local authority, a health board or other public body or for the purpose of collecting an amount due from the individual in respect of such a tax or duty or other payment,
(x) the name of the individual where it appears with other personal information relating to the individual or where the disclosure of the name would, or would be likely to, establish that any personal information held by the public body concerned relates to the individual,
(xi) information relating to property of the individual (including the nature of the individual's title to any property), and
(xii) the views or opinions of another person about the individual,
but does not include—
(I) in a case where the individual holds or held office as a director, or occupies or occupied a position as a member of the staff, of a public body, the name of the individual or information relating to the office or position or its functions or the terms upon and subject to which the individual holds or held that office or occupies or occupied that position or anything written or recorded in any form by the individual in the course of and for the purpose of the performance of the functions aforesaid,
(II) in a case where the individual is or was providing a service for a public body under a contract for services with the body, the name of the individual or information relating to the service or the terms of the contract or anything written or recorded in any form by the individual in the course of and for the purposes of the provision of the service, or
(III) the views or opinions of the individual in relation to a public body, the staff of a public body or the business or the performance of the functions of a public body;
“political party” means a party registered in the Register of Political Parties;
“prescribed” means prescribed by the Minister by regulations under section 3;
“public body” shall be construed in accordance with the First Schedule;
“record” includes any memorandum, book, plan, map, drawing, diagram, pictorial or graphic work or other document, any photograph, film or recording (whether of sound or images or both), any form in which data (within the meaning of the Data Protection Act, 1988) are held, any other form (including machine-readable form) or thing in which information is held or stored manually, mechanically or electronically and anything that is a part or a copy, in any form, of any of the foregoing or is a combination of two or more of the foregoing;
“request to which section 29 applies” means a request under section 7 to which section 26 (3), 27 (3) or 28 (5) applies and which, apart from section 29, would fall to be granted;
“requester” means a person who makes a request under section 7;
“the right of access” shall be construed in accordance with section 6;
(2) A power conferred by this Act to draw up and publish guidelines or to make determinations shall be construed as including a power exercisable in the like manner to revoke or amend guidelines or determinations drawn up and published or, as the case may be, made under the power.
(3) Nothing in this Act shall be construed as prohibiting or restricting access by a public body to a record held by another public body.
(4) A reference in section 7, 8, 14, 17 or 18 in relation to a request under section 7 or the receipt of such a request or to an application under section 14 (2), 17 (1) or 18 (1), to the head of a public body shall be construed as including a reference to the body and to any director or member of the staff thereof, and this Act shall, with any necessary modifications, apply and have effect accordingly.
(5) In this Act—
(a) a reference to records held by a public body includes a reference to records under the control of the body,
(b) a reference to a Part, section or Schedule is a reference to a Part or section of, or a Schedule to, this Act unless it is indicated that reference to some other provision is intended, and
(c) a reference to a subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, clause or subclause is a reference to a subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, clause or subclause of the provision in which the reference occurs, unless it is indicated that reference to some other provision is intended, and
(d) a reference to any enactment is a reference to that enactment as amended, adapted or extended by or under any subsequent enactment.
Regulations.
3.—(1) The Minister may—
(a) by regulations provide, subject to the provisions of this Act, for any matter referred to in this Act as prescribed or to be prescribed, and
(b) in addition to any other power conferred on him or her to make regulations, make regulations generally for the purposes of, and for the purpose of giving full effect to, this Act,
(c) if, during the first 3 years of application of this Act to a public body specified in subparagraph (3), (4) or (5) of paragraph 1 of the First Schedule, any difficulty arises in bringing this Act into operation in so far as it applies to that body, by regulations do anything which appears to be necessary or expedient for bringing this Act into operation in so far as it applies to that body and regulations under this paragraph may, in so far only as may appear necessary for carrying the regulations into effect, modify a provision of this Act if the modification is in conformity with the purposes, principles and spirit of this Act, and
(d) if in any other respect any difficulty arises during the period of 3 years from the commencement of this Act in bringing this Act into operation, by regulations do anything which appears to be necessary or expedient for bringing this Act into operation and regulations under this paragraph may, in so far only as may appear necessary for carrying the regulations into effect, modify a provision of this Act if the modification is in conformity with the purposes, principles and spirit of this Act.
(2) Regulations under this Act may contain such incidental, supplementary and consequential provisions as appear to the Minister to be necessary or expedient for the purposes of the regulations.
(3) Where the Minister proposes to make regulations under paragraph (c) or (d) of subsection (1) or for the purposes of paragraph 1 (5), or under paragraph 3, of the First Schedule, he or she shall cause a draft of the regulations to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas and the regulations shall not be made until a resolution approving of the draft has been passed by each such House.
(4) Where the Minister proposes to make regulations under subsection (1)(c), he or she shall, before doing so, consult with such other (if any) Minister of the Government as the Minister considers appropriate having regard to the functions of that other Minister of the Government in relation to the proposed regulations.
(5) Regulations prescribing a body, organisation or group (“the body”) for the purposes of paragraph 1 (5) of the First Schedule may provide that this Act shall apply to the body only as respects specified functions of the body, and this Act shall apply and have effect in accordance with any such provision.
(6) Every regulation under this Act (other than a regulation referred to in subsection (3)) shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made and, if a resolution annulling the regulation is passed by either such House within the next 21 days on which that House has sat after the regulation is laid before it, the regulation shall be annulled accordingly but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done thereunder.
Delegation of certain functions of heads.
4.—(1) A head may delegate in writing to a member of the staff of the public body concerned any of the functions of the head under this Act (other than this section and section 25).
(2) A delegation under subsection (1) (“a delegation”) may—
(a) relate to functions generally or specified functions or be in respect of records generally or specified classes of records or specified records, and
(b) be to a specified member or specified members of the staff of the public body concerned or to such members who are of a specified rank or grade or of a rank or grade not lower than a specified rank or grade,
and may delegate different functions or classes of function to different such members or classes of members.
(3) A delegation may be revoked in whole or in part or amended in writing by the head for the time being of the public body concerned.
(4) A delegation shall operate, so long as it continues in force, to confer on and vest in the person concerned the function or functions delegated by the delegation.
(5) The head concerned shall cause notice of a delegation or of a revocation or amendment under subsection (3) to be published in Iris Oifigiúil not later than 4 weeks after the making of the delegation, revocation or amendment, as the case may be.
(6) References in this Act to a head shall be construed, where appropriate having regard to the context and any delegation under this section, as including references to any person to whom functions stand delegated by the delegation.
Expenses.
5.—The expenses incurred in the administration of this Act shall be paid out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas and the expenses incurred by any other Minister of the Government in the administration of this Act shall, to such extent as may be sanctioned by the Minister, be paid out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas.
PART II
Access to Records
Right of access to records.
6.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, every person has a right to and shall, on request therefor, be offered access to any record held by a public body and the right so conferred is referred to in this Act as the right of access.
(2) It shall be the duty of a public body to give reasonable assistance to a person who is seeking a record under this Act—
(a) in relation to the making of the request under section 7 for access to the record, and
(b) if the person has a disability, so as to facilitate the exercise by the person of his or her rights under this Act.
(3) The Minister shall, after consultation with such other (if any) Ministers of the Government as he or she considers appropriate, draw up and publish to public bodies guidelines in relation to compliance by public bodies with subsection (2)(b), and public bodies shall have regard to any such guidelines.
(4) The records referred to in subsection (1) are records created after the commencement of this Act and—
(a) records created during such period (if any), or after such time (if any), before the commencement of this Act, and
(b) records created before such commencement and relating to such particular matters (if any), and
(c) records created during such period (if any) and relating to such particular matters (if any),
as may be prescribed, after consultation with such Ministers of the Government as the Minister considers appropriate.
(5) Notwithstanding subsections (1) and (4) but subject to subsection (6), where—
(a) access to records created before the commencement of this Act is necessary or expedient in order to understand records created after such commencement, or
(b) records created before such commencement relate to personal information about the person seeking access to them,
subsection (1) shall be construed as conferring the right of access in respect of those records.
(6) Subsection (5) shall not be construed as applying, in relation to an individual who is a member of the staff of a public body, the right of access to a record held by a public body that—
(a) is a personnel record, that is to say, a record relating wholly or mainly to one or more of the following, that is to say, the competence or ability of the individual in his or her capacity as a member of the staff of a public body or his or her employment or employment history or an evaluation of the performance of his or her functions generally or a particular such function as such member,
(b) was created more than 3 years before the commencement of this Act, and
(c) is not being used or proposed to be used in a manner or for a purpose that affects, or will or may affect, adversely the interests of the person.
(7) Nothing in this section shall be construed as applying the right of access to an exempt record.
(8) Nothing in this Act shall be construed as prohibiting or restricting a public body from publishing or giving access to a record (including an exempt record) otherwise than under this Act where such publication or giving of access is not prohibited by law.
(9) A record in the possession of a person who is or was providing a service for a public body under a contract for services shall, if and in so far as it relates to the service, be deemed for the purposes of this Act to be held by the body, and there shall be deemed to be included in the contract a provision that the person shall, if so requested by the body for the purposes of this Act, give the record to the body for retention by it for such period as is reasonable in the particular circumstances.
(10) Where a request under section 7 would fall to be granted by virtue of subsection (9) but for the fact that it relates to a record that contains, with the matter relating to the service concerned, other matter, the head of the public body concerned shall, if it is practicable to do so, prepare a copy, in such form as he or she considers appropriate of so much of the record as does not consist of the other matter aforesaid and the request shall be granted by offering the requester access to the copy.
Requests for access to records.
7.—(1) A person who wishes to exercise the right of access shall make a request, in writing or in such other form as may be determined, addressed to the head of the public body concerned for access to the record concerned—
(a) stating that the request is made under this Act,
(b) containing sufficient particulars in relation to the information concerned to enable the record to be identified by the taking of reasonable steps, and
(c) if the person requires such access to be given in a particular form or manner (being a form or manner referred to in section 12), specifying the form or manner of access.
(2) The head shall cause the receipt by him or her of a request under subsection (1) to be notified, in writing or in such other form as may be determined, to the requester concerned as soon as may be but not later than 2 weeks after such receipt, and the notification shall include a summary of the provisions of section 41 and particulars of the rights of review under this Act, the procedure governing the exercise of those rights, and the time limits governing such exercise, in a case to which that section applies.
(3) Where a request under this section is received by the head of a public body (“the head”) and the record or records concerned is or are not held by the body (“the first-mentioned body”) but, to the knowledge of the head, is or are held by one or more other public bodies, the head shall, as soon as may be, but not more than 2 weeks, after the receipt of the request, cause a copy of the request to be given to the head of the other body or, as the case may be, to the head of that one of the other bodies—
(a) whose functions are, in the opinion of the head, most closely related to the subject matter of the record or records, or
(b) that, in the opinion of the head, is otherwise most appropriate,
and inform the requester concerned, by notice in writing or in such other form as may be determined, of his or her having done so and thereupon—
(i) the head to whom the copy aforesaid is furnished shall be deemed, for the purposes of this Act, to have received the request under this section and to have received it at the time of the receipt by him or her of the copy, and
(ii) the head shall be deemed, for the purposes of this Act, not to have received the request.
(4) Where a request under this section relating to more than one record is received by the head of a public body (“the first-mentioned body”) and one or more than one (but not all) of the records concerned is or are held by the body, the head shall inform the requester concerned, by notice in writing or in such other form as may be determined, of the names of any other public body that, to his or her knowledge, holds any of the records.
(5) The Minister shall, after consultation with the Commissioner, draw up and publish to heads guidelines for the purposes of subsection (3) and (4) and heads shall have regard to any such guidelines.
(6) A person shall be deemed to have the knowledge referred to in subsection (3) and (4) if, by the taking of reasonable steps, he or she could obtain that knowledge.
(7) Where—
(a) a person makes a request for information, or a request for access to a record, to a public body or to a head or a director, or member of the staff, of a public body, other than under and in accordance with this Act, and
(b) it is not or may not be possible to give the information, or make available the record, other than pursuant to a request in relation to it under and in accordance with section 7,
the head shall, if appropriate, cause the person to be informed of the right of access and shall assist, or offer to assist, the person in the preparation of such a request.
Decisions on requests under section 7 and notification of decisions.
8.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, a head shall, as soon as may be, but not later than 4 weeks, after the receipt of a request under section 7—
(a) decide whether to grant or refuse to grant the request or to grant it in part,
(b) if he or she decides to grant the request, whether wholly or in part, determine the form and manner in which the right of access will be exercised, and
(c) cause notice, in writing or in such other form as may be determined, of the decision and determination to be given to the requester concerned.
(2) A notice under subsection (1) shall specify—
(a) the decision under that subsection concerned and the day on which it was made,
(b) unless the head concerned reasonably believes that their disclosure could prejudice the safety or well-being of the person concerned, the name and designation of the person in the public body concerned who is dealing with the request,
(c) if the request aforesaid is granted, whether wholly or in part—
(i) the day on which, and the form and manner in which, access to the record concerned will be offered to the requester concerned and the period during which the record will be kept available for the purpose of such access, and
(ii) the amount of any fee under section 47 payable by the requester in respect of the grant of the request,
(d) if the request aforesaid is refused, whether wholly or in part—
(i) the reasons for the refusal, and
(ii) unless the refusal is pursuant to section 19 (5), 22 (2), 23 (2) or 24 (3), any provision of this Act pursuant to which the request is refused and the findings on any material issues relevant to the decision and particulars of any matter relating to the public interest taken into consideration for the purposes of the decision,
(e) if the giving of access to the record is deferred under section 11, the reasons for the deferral and the period of the deferral, and
(f) particulars of rights of review and appeal under this Act in relation to the decision under subsection (1) and any other decision referred to in the notice, the procedure governing the exercise of those rights and the time limits governing such exercise.
(3) Subject to the provisions of this Act, where a request is granted under subsection (1)—
(a) if—
(i) a fee is not charged under section 47 in respect of the matter,
(ii) a deposit under that section has been paid and a fee under that section is charged and the amount of the deposit equals or exceeds the amount of the fee, or
(iii) such a deposit has been paid but such a fee is not charged,
access to the record concerned shall be offered to the requester concerned forthwith and the record shall be kept available for the purpose of such access for a period of 4 weeks thereafter, and
(b) if a fee is so charged, access to the record concerned shall be offered to the requester concerned as soon as may be, but not more than one week, after the day on which the fee is received by the public body concerned, and the record shall be kept available for the purpose of such access until—
(i) the expiration of the period of 4 weeks from such receipt, or
(ii) the expiration of the period of 8 weeks from the receipt by the requester concerned of the notice under subsection (1) concerned,
whichever is the earlier.
(4) In deciding whether to grant or refuse to grant a request under section 7—
(a) any reason that the requester gives for the request, and
(b) any belief or opinion of the head as to what are the reasons of the requester for the request,
shall be disregarded.
(5) This section shall not be construed as requiring the inclusion in a notice under subsection (1) of matter that, if it were included in a record, would cause the record to be an exempt record.
(6) References in this section to the grant of a request under section 7 include references to such a grant pursuant to section 13.
Extension of time for consideration of requests under section 7.
9.—(1) The head may, as respects a request under section 7 received by him or her (“the specified request”), extend the period specified in section 8 (1) for consideration of the request by such period as he or she considers necessary but not exceeding a period of 4 weeks if in the opinion of the head—
(a) the request relates to such number of records, or
(b) the number of other requests under section 7 relating either to the record or records to which the specified request relates or to information corresponding to that to which the specified request relates or to both that have been made to the public body concerned before the specified request was made to it and in relation to which a decision under section 8 has not been made is such,
that compliance with that subsection within the period specified therein is not reasonably possible.
(2) Where a period is extended under this section, the head concerned shall cause notice in writing or in such other form as may be determined, to be given to the requester concerned, before the expiration of the period, of the extension and the period thereof and reasons therefor.
(3) The reference in section 8 (1) to 4 weeks shall be construed in accordance with any extension under this section of that period.
Refusal on administrative grounds to grant requests under section 7.
10.—(1) A head to whom a request under section 7 is made may refuse to grant the request if—
(a) the record concerned does not exist or cannot be found after all reasonable steps to ascertain its whereabouts have been taken,
(b) the request does not comply with section 7 (1) (b),
(c) in the opinion of the head, granting the request would, by reason of the number or nature of the records concerned or the nature of the information concerned, require the retrieval and examination of such number of records or an examination of such kind of the records concerned as to cause a substantial and unreasonable interference with or disruption of the other work of the public body concerned,
(d) publication of the record is required by law and is intended to be effected not later than 12 weeks after the receipt of the request by the head,
(e) the request is, in the opinion of the head, frivolous or vexatious, or
(f) a fee or deposit payable under section 47 has not been paid.
(2) A head shall not refuse, pursuant to paragraph (b) or (c) of subsection (1), to grant a request under section 7 unless he or she has assisted, or offered to assist, the requester concerned in an endeavour so to amend the request that it no longer falls within that paragraph.
Deferral of access to records.
11.—(1) Where a request is made under section 7, and—
(a) the record concerned was prepared solely for the information of either or both of the Houses of the Oireachtas or a committee of either or both of such Houses and copies of the record are intended to be laid before either or both of such Houses or given to such a committee or otherwise published to members of either or both of such Houses or such a committee on a day falling within a reasonable period after the receipt by the head concerned of the request (“the specified day”), or
(b) information contained in the record concerned falls within paragraph (b), (d) or (e) of section 20 (2) and the giving of access to the record on or before a particular day (“the specified day”) would, in the opinion of the head concerned, be contrary to the public interest, or
(c) the record concerned is held by a public body, being a Department of State or the Office of the Tánaiste and the Minister of the Government in whom functions in relation to the public body are vested considers that the record or part thereof or any matter to which it relates is of such interest to the public generally that he or she intends to inform either or both of the Houses of the Oireachtas of the contents of the record or part or of the matter or otherwise to publish the contents of the record or part or information relating to the matter on a day not later than one week after the appropriate time specified in section 8 (3) (“the specified day”),
the head concerned may defer the offering of access to the record to the requester concerned until the day immediately after the specified day.
(2) Section 8 (3) shall be construed and have effect in relation to a case in which the offering of access to a record is deferred under this section as if—
(a) paragraph (a) thereof required access to the record to be offered to the requester concerned forthwith upon the expiration of the period of the deferral and the record to be kept available for the purpose of such access for a period of 4 weeks thereafter, and
(b) paragraph (b) thereof required access to the record to be offered to the requester as soon as may be, but not more than one week, after—
(i) the expiration of the period of the deferral, or
(ii) the day on which the fee under section 47 concerned is received by the public body concerned,
whichever is the later and the record to be kept available for the purpose of such access until—
(I) the expiration of the period of 4 weeks from such receipt, or
(II) the expiration of the period of 4 weeks from the expiration of the period of the deferral,
whichever is the later.
Manner of access to records.
12.—(1) A head may give access under this Act to a record by providing the requester with—
(a) a copy of the record,
(b) a transcript of the information concerned,
(c) a computer disk or other electronic device containing the information,
(d) a reasonable opportunity to inspect the record,
(e) in case the record is of sound or visual images, a reasonable opportunity to hear or view the record,
(f) in case the information is in shorthand or other code, the information in decodified form and in written form or such other form as may be determined,
(g) the information in such other form or manner as may be determined, or
(h) the information in a combination of any two or more of the foregoing.
(2) Where a head decides to grant a request under section 7 and the request is for access in a particular form or manner to a record, such access shall be given in that form or manner unless the head concerned is satisfied—
(a) that such access in another form or manner specified in or determined under subsection (1) would be significantly more efficient, or
(b) that the giving of access in the form or manner requested would—
(i) be physically detrimental to the record,
(ii) involve an infringement of copyright (other than copyright owned by the State, the Government or the public body concerned),
(iii) conflict with a legal duty or obligation of a public body, or
(iv) prejudice, impair or damage any interest protected by Part III or section 46.
(3) Where a head decides to grant a request under section 7 but not to give access to the record concerned in the form or manner specified in the request, he or she shall give such access—
(a) if the case is one to which paragraph (a) of subsection (2) applies, in the appropriate form or manner having regard to that paragraph, and
(b) if the case is one to which paragraph (b) of that subsection applies, in such other form or manner specified in or determined under subsection (1) as may be agreed by the head and the requester or, if those persons are unable to agree upon such a form, in such form specified in subsection (1) as the head considers appropriate.
Access to parts of records.
13.—(1) Where a request under section 7 would fall to be granted but for the fact that it relates to a record that is an exempt record, by reason of the inclusion in it, with other matter, of particular matter, the head of the public body concerned, shall, if it is practicable to do so, prepare a copy, in such form as he or she considers appropriate, of so much of the record as does not consist of the particular matter aforesaid and the request shall be granted by offering the requester access to the copy.
(2) Subsection (1) shall not apply in relation to a record if the copy provided for thereby would be misleading.
(3) Where a requester is offered access to a copy of part of a record under this section, then (unless the record is one to which section 19 (5), 22 (2), 23 (2) or 24 (3) applies), the notice under section 8 (1) concerned shall specify that such access is offered pursuant to this section and that the copy does not purport to be a copy of the complete record to which the request under section 7 relates and shall also specify the nature of the matter contained in the record by virtue of which subsection (1) applies to the record.
Review by heads of decisions.
14.—(1) This section applies to a decision made pursuant to this Act by a person to whom the function concerned stood delegated at the time of the making of the decision, being—
(a) a decision to refuse to grant a request under section 7, whether wholly or in part, (other than a request to which section 29 applies) (“a request”) in relation to the record concerned,
(b) a decision under section 11 to defer the offering of access to a record falling within paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of that section,
(c) a decision under section 12 to grant a request by giving access to the record concerned in a form other than that specified in the request,
(d) a decision under section 13 to grant a request under section 7 by offering the requester concerned access to a copy of part only of the record concerned,
(e) a decision under section 17 to refuse to amend a record,
(f) a decision under section 18 in relation to the contents of a statement furnished under subsection (1) of that section or to refuse an application under that subsection, or
(g) a decision to charge a fee or deposit, or a fee or deposit of a particular amount, under section 47.
(2) Subject to the provisions of this section, the head of the public body concerned, on application to him or her in that behalf, in writing or in such other form as may be determined, by a relevant person—
(a) may review a decision to which this section applies, and
(b) following the review, may, as he or she considers appropriate—
(i) affirm or vary the decision, or
(ii) annul the decision and, if appropriate, make such decision in relation to the matter as he or she considers proper,
in accordance with this Act.
(3) A person to whom a function under this section stands delegated under section 4 shall not perform that function in relation to a decision to which this section applies that was made by a member of the staff of the public body concerned whose rank is the same as or higher than that of the person aforesaid.
(4) A decision under subsection (2) shall be made, and the head concerned shall cause notice thereof, in writing or in such other form as may be determined, to be given to the relevant person and any other person whom he or she considers should be notified thereof, not later than 3 weeks after the receipt by the head of the application for the review under that subsection concerned.
(5) A notice under subsection (4) shall specify—
(a) the day on which the decision concerned under that subsection was made,
(b) if the decision is to grant, in whole or in part, the request under section 7 concerned, the information referred to in section 8 (2) (c),
(c) if the decision is to refuse to grant, wholly or in part, the request aforesaid, the information specified in subparagraph (i) of paragraph (d) of section 8 (2) and, if the refusal is not pursuant to section 10 (1) (c), 19 (5), 22 (2), 23 (2), or 24 (3), the information specified in subparagraph (ii) of that paragraph,
(d) if the decision is to defer the giving of access to the record concerned, the reasons for the deferral and the period of the deferral,
(e) if the decision is a decision referred to in paragraph (c), (d), (e), (f) or (g) of subsection (1), the reasons for the decision, and
(f) particulars of the rights of review and appeal under this Act in relation to the decision, the procedure governing the exercise of those rights and the time limits governing such exercise.
(6) This section shall not be construed as requiring the inclusion in a notice under subsection (4) of matter that, if it were included in a record, would cause the record to be an exempt record.
(7) An application under subsection (2) shall be made not later than 4 weeks after the notification under this Act of the decision concerned to the relevant person concerned or, in a case in which the head concerned is of the opinion that there are reasonable grounds for extending that period, the expiration of such longer period as he or she may determine.
(8) The relevant person concerned may, at any time before the making of a decision under subsection (2) following the review concerned, by notice in writing or in such other form as may be determined, given to the head concerned, withdraw the application concerned under that subsection.
(9) Subsection (3) of section 8 shall apply in relation to a case where a decision under subsection (2) is to grant a request under section 7 or to annul or vary a deferral under section 11 with the modification that the reference in the said subsection (3) to the grant of a request under subsection (1) of section 8 shall be construed as a reference to the making of the decision under subsection (2).
(10) Subject to the provisions of this Act, a decision under subsection (2) shall—
(a) in so far as it is inconsistent with the decision to which this section applies concerned, have effect in lieu thereof, and
(b) be binding on the parties concerned.
(11) In this section “relevant person”, in relation to a decision to which this section applies, means—
(a) the requester concerned, or
(b) if the decision is under section 17 or 18, the person who made the application concerned.
Publication of information about public bodies.
15.—(1) A public body shall cause to be prepared and published and to be made available in accordance with subsection (7) a reference book containing—
(a) a general description of its structure and organisation, functions, powers and duties, any services it provides for the public and the procedures by which any such services may be availed of by the public,
(b) a general description of the classes of records held by it, giving such particulars as are reasonably necessary to facilitate the exercise of the right of access,
(c) a general description of the matters referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) of section 16 (1),
(d) the arrangements made by the body—
(i) to enable a person to obtain access to records held by the body,
(ii) to enable an individual to apply for the amendment of any such records that relate to personal information in respect of the individual, and
(iii) to enable a person to whom section 18 (1) applies to obtain the information specified therein,
(e) the names and designations of the members of the staff of the body responsible for carrying out the arrangements aforesaid (unless the head of the body reasonably believes that publication of that information could threaten the physical safety or well-being of the persons),
(f) the address or addresses at which requests under section 7 or applications under section 17 or 18 should be given,
(g) appropriate information concerning—
(i) any rights of review or appeal in respect of decisions made by the body (including rights of review and appeal under this Act), and
(ii) the procedure governing the exercise of those rights and any time limits governing such exercise,
(h) any other information that the head of the body considers relevant for the purpose of facilitating the exercise of the right of access, and
(i) information in relation to such other matters (if any) as may be prescribed.
(2) A reference book prepared under subsection (1) shall be made available in accordance with subsection (7)—
(a) in case the body concerned is a body specified in paragraph 1 (other than subparagraph (3), (4) and (5)) of the First Schedule, upon the commencement of this Act,
(b) in case the body is a local authority, upon the commencement of the said subparagraph (3),
(c) in case the body is a health board, upon the commencement of the said subparagraph (4), and
(d) in case the body is a body standing prescribed under section 3 for the purposes of the said subparagraph (5), upon such prescription,
and thereafter a version, appropriately revised, of the book shall be prepared and published and shall be made available as aforesaid by the body not less frequently than 3 years after the latest such book was so made available by the body and as soon as may be after any significant alterations or additions fall to be made in or to the latest such book so made available.
(3) In preparing a reference book under subsection (1), a public body shall have regard to the fact that the purpose of the book is to assist members of the public in ascertaining and exercising their rights under this Act.
(4) At the time of the publication of a reference book under subsection (1) or (2), the body concerned shall furnish to the Minister a summary thereof and the Minister shall cause the summaries furnished to him or her under this subsection to be collated and shall cause a reference book containing the summaries as so collated to be published and to be made available in accordance with subsection (7) not later than 15 months after the commencement of this Act and thereafter not less frequently than 3 years after the latest such book is published and so made available and as soon as may be after any significant alterations or additions fall to be made in or to the latest such book so made available.
(5) The Minister shall ensure that appropriate measures are taken by public bodies, as respects training of staff, organisational arrangements and such other matters as the Minister considers appropriate, for the purpose of facilitating compliance by the bodies with this Act and, without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (b) of section 3 (1), may, by regulations made under that paragraph after consultation with the Commissioner and the Director of the National Archives (within the meaning of the National Archives Act, 1986), make provision for the management and maintenance of records held by public bodies.
(6) (a) As soon as may be after the end of a period specified in paragraph (d), the Minister shall prepare a report in writing of the measures taken by public bodies pursuant to subsection (5) during that period.
(b) A report under this subsection shall include a report of any measures taken by a public body during the period to which the report relates consequent upon a report under section 36 (4).
(c) The Minister shall cause a copy of a report under this subsection to be furnished as soon as may be to the committee (within the meaning of section 32).
(d) The periods referred to in paragraph (a) are:
(i) the period of 3 months beginning on the commencement of this Act, and
(ii) the period of 12 months beginning on the expiration of the period aforesaid and each subsequent period of 12 months beginning on the expiration of the period of 12 months immediately preceding.
(7) A book referred to in subsection (1), (2) or (4) shall be made available for inspection free of charge, and for removal free of charge or, at the discretion of the head concerned or the Minister, as may be appropriate, for purchase, at such places as the head or, as may be appropriate, the Minister may determine and the head or the Minister, as may be appropriate, shall cause notice of those places to be published in such manner as he or she considers adequate for the purposes of this section and, if the book relates to a local authority or a health board, a copy of it shall be given to each member of the authority or board.
(8) Subsection (1) does not apply to any matter by reason of which a record in which it is included is an exempt record.
Publication of information regarding rules and practices in relation to certain decisions by public bodies.
16.—(1) A public body shall cause to be prepared and published and to be made available in accordance with subsection (5)—
(a) the rules, procedures, practices, guidelines and interpretations used by the body, and an index of any precedents kept by the body, for the purposes of decisions, determinations or recommendations, under or for the purposes of any enactment or scheme administered by the body with respect to rights, privileges, benefits, obligations, penalties or other sanctions to which members of the public are or may be entitled or subject under the enactment or scheme, and
(b) appropriate information in relation to the manner or intended manner of administration of any such enactment or scheme.
(2) A publication prepared under subsection (1) shall be made available in accordance with subsection (5)—
(a) in case the body concerned is a body specified in paragraph 1 (other than subparagraph (3), (4) or (5)) of the First Schedule, upon the commencement of this Act,
(b) in case the body is a local authority, upon the commencement of the said subparagraph (3),
(c) in case the body is a health board, upon the commencement of the said subparagraph (4), and
(d) in case the body is a body standing prescribed under section 3 for the purposes of the said subparagraph (5), upon such prescription,
and thereafter a version, appropriately revised, of the publication shall be prepared and published and shall be made available as aforesaid by the body not less frequently than 3 years after the latest such publication was so made available by the body and as soon as may be after any significant alterations or additions fall to be made in or to the latest such publication so made available.
(3) If the material specified in paragraph (a) of subsection (1) is not published and made available in accordance with this section or the material so published and purporting to be the material aforesaid is incomplete or inaccurate and a person shows—
(a) that he or she was not aware of a rule, procedure, practice, guideline, interpretation or precedent referred to in subsection (1) (a) (“the rule”) or of a particular requirement of the rule, and
(b) that, but for such non-publication, non-availability, incompleteness or incorrectness, as the case may be, he or she would have been so aware,
the public body concerned shall, if and in so far as it is practicable to do so, ensure that the person is not subjected to any prejudice (not being a penalty imposed by a court upon conviction of an offence) by reason only of the application of the rule or requirement if the person could lawfully have avoided that prejudice if he or she had been aware of the rule or requirement.
(4) Subsection (3) shall not apply in a case where the public body concerned shows that reasonable steps were taken by it to bring the rule or requirement concerned to the notice of those affected by it.
(5) A publication referred to in subsection (1) or (2) shall be made available for inspection free of charge, and for removal free of charge or, at the discretion of the head concerned, for purchase, at such places as the head concerned may determine and the head shall cause notice of those places to be published in such manner as he or she considers adequate for the purposes of this section and if the publication relates to a local authority or a health board, a copy of it shall be given to each member of the authority or board.
(6) A precedent referred to in an index specified in subsection (1) shall, on request therefor to the public body concerned, be made available to the person concerned in accordance with subsection (5).
(7) Subsection (1) does not apply to any matter by reason of which a record in which it is included is an exempt record.
Amendment of records relating to personal information.
17.—(1) Where personal information in a record held by a public body is incomplete, incorrect or misleading, the head of the body shall, on application to him or her in that behalf, in writing or in such other form as may be determined, by the individual to whom the information relates, amend the record—
(i) by altering it so as to make the information complete or correct or not misleading, as may be appropriate,
(ii) by adding to the record a statement specifying the respects in which the body is satisfied that the information is incomplete, incorrect or misleading, as may be appropriate, or
(iii) by deleting the information from it.
(2) An application under subsection (1) shall, in so far as is practicable—
(a) specify the record concerned and the amendment required, and
(b) include appropriate information in support of the application.
(3) The head concerned shall, as soon as may be, but not later than 4 weeks, after the receipt by him or her of an application under subsection (1), decide whether to grant or refuse to grant the application and shall cause notice, in writing or in such other form as may be determined, of his or her decision and, if the decision is to grant it, of the manner of such grant to be given to the person concerned.
(4) (a) If the grant of an application under subsection (1) is refused, the head concerned shall—
(i) attach to the record concerned the application or a copy of it or, if that is not practicable, a notation indicating that the application has been made, and
(ii) include in the notification under subsection (3) particulars of—
(I) rights of review and appeal under this Act in relation to the decision to refuse to grant the application, and
(II) the procedure governing the exercise of those rights and any time limits governing such exercise.
(b) Paragraph (a)(i) does not apply in relation to a case in which the head concerned is of opinion that the application concerned is defamatory or the alterations or additions to which it relates to the record concerned would be unnecessarily voluminous.
(5) Where a record is amended pursuant to this section, the public body concerned shall take all reasonable steps to notify of the amendment—
(a) any person to whom access to the record was granted under this Act, and
(b) any other public body to whom a copy of the record was given,
during the period of one year ending on the date on which the amendment was effected.
Right of person to information regarding acts of public bodies affecting the person.
18.—(1) The head of a public body shall, on application to him or her in that behalf, in writing or in such other form as may be determined, by a person who is affected by an act of the body and has a material interest in a matter affected by the act or to which it relates, not later than 4 weeks after the receipt of the application, cause a statement, in writing or in such other form as may be determined, to be given to the person—
(a) of the reasons for the act, and
(b) of any findings on any material issues of fact made for the purposes of the act.
(2) Nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring—
(a) the giving to a person of information contained in an exempt record, or
(b) the disclosure of the existence or non-existence of a record if the non-disclosure of its existence or non-existence is required by this Act.
(3) Subsection (1) shall not apply to—
(a) a decision of the Civil Service Commissioners pursuant to subparagraph (d) or (e) of section 17 (1) of the Civil Service Commissioners Act, 1956, not to accept a person as qualified for a position referred to in that section, or
(b) a decision of the Local Appointments Commissioners made by virtue of section 7 (3) of the Local Authorities (Officers and Employees) Act, 1926, not to recommend a person to a local authority for appointment to an office referred to in that section,
if, in the opinion of the head concerned, the giving of a statement under subsection (1) in relation to the decision would be likely to prejudice the effectiveness of the process for selecting a person for appointment to the position or office.
(4) If, pursuant to subsection (2) or (3), the head of a public body decides not to cause a statement to be given under subsection (1) to a person, the head shall, not later than 4 weeks after the receipt of the application concerned under subsection (1), cause notice, in writing or in such other form as may be determined, of the decision to be given to the person.
(5) For the purposes of this section a person has a material interest in a matter affected by an act of a public body or to which such an act relates if the consequence or effect of the act may be to confer on or withhold from the person a benefit without also conferring it on or withholding it from persons in general or a class of persons which is of significant size having regard to all the circumstances and of which the person is a member.
(6) In this section—
“act”, in relation to a public body, includes a decision (other than a decision under this Act) of the body;
“benefit”, in relation to a person, includes—
(a) any advantage to the person,
(b) in respect of an act of a public body done at the request of the person, any consequence or effect thereof relating to the person, and
(c) the avoidance of a loss, liability, penalty, forfeiture, punishment or other disadvantage affecting the person.
PART III
Exempt Records
Meetings of the Government.
19.—(1) A head may refuse to grant a request under section 7 if the record concerned—
(a) has been, or is proposed to be, submitted to the Government for their consideration by a Minister of the Government or the Attorney General and was created for that purpose,
(b) is a record of the Government other than a record by which a decision of the Government is published to the general public by or on behalf of the Government, or
(c) contains information (including advice) for a member of the Government, the Attorney General, a Minister of State, the Secretary to the Government or the Assistant Secretary to the Government for use by him or her solely for the purpose of the transaction of any business of the Government at a meeting of the Government.
(2) A head shall refuse to grant a request under section 7 if the record concerned—
(a) contains the whole or part of a statement made at a meeting of the Government or information that reveals, or from which may be inferred, the substance of the whole or part of such a statement, and
(b) is not a record—
(i) referred to in paragraph (a) or (c) of subsection (1), or
(ii) by which a decision of the Government is published to the general public by or on behalf of the Government.
(3) Subject to the provisions of this Act, subsection (1) does not apply to a record referred to in that subsection—
(a) if and in so far as it contains factual information relating to a decision of the Government that has been published to the general public, or
(b) if the record relates to a decision of the Government that was made more than 5 years before the receipt by the head concerned of the request under section 7 concerned.
(4) A decision to grant a request under section 7 in respect of a record to which paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (1) applies shall not be made unless, in so far as it is practicable to do so, the head concerned has, prior to the making of the decision, consulted in relation to the request with—
(a) the leader of each political party to which belonged a member of the Government that made any decision to which the record relates, and
(b) any member of the Government aforesaid who was not a member of a political party.
(5) Where a request under section 7 relates to a record to which subsection (1) applies, or would, if the record existed, apply, and the head concerned is satisfied that the disclosure of the existence or non-existence of the record would be contrary to the public interest, he or she shall refuse to grant the request and shall not disclose to the requester concerned whether or not the record exists.
(6) In this section—
“decision of the Government” includes the noting or approving by the Government of a record submitted to them;
“record” includes a preliminary or other draft of the whole or part of the material contained in the record;
“Government” includes a committee of the Government, that is to say, a committee appointed by the Government whose membership consists of—
(a) members of the Government, or
(b) one or more members of the Government together with either or both of the following:
(i) one or more Ministers of State,
(ii) the Attorney General.
Deliberations of public bodies.
20.—(1) A head may refuse to grant a request under section 7—
(a) if the record concerned contains matter relating to the deliberative processes of the public body concerned (including opinions, advice, recommendations, and the results of consultations, considered by the body, the head of the body, or a member of the body or of the staff of the body for the purpose of those processes), and
(b) the granting of the request would, in the opinion of the head, be contrary to the public interest,
and, without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (b), the head shall, in determining whether to grant or refuse to grant the request, consider whether the grant thereof would be contrary to the public interest by reason of the fact that the requester concerned would thereby become aware of a significant decision that the body proposes to make.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a record if and in so far as it contains—
(a) matter used, or intended to be used, by a public body for the purpose of making decisions, determinations or recommendations referred to in section 16,
(b) factual (including statistical) information and analyses thereof,
(c) the reasons for the making of a decision by a public body,
(d) a report of an investigation or analysis of the performance, efficiency or effectiveness of a public body in relation to the functions generally or a particular function of the body,
(e) a report, study or analysis of a scientific or technical expert relating to the subject of his or her expertise or a report containing opinions or advice of such an expert and not being a report used or commissioned for the purposes of a decision of a public body made pursuant to any enactment or scheme.
Functions and negotiations of public bodies.
21.—(1) A head may refuse to grant a request under section 7 if access to the record concerned could, in the opinion of the head, reasonably be expected to—
(a) prejudice the effectiveness of tests, examinations, investigations, inquiries or audits conducted by or on behalf of the public body concerned or the procedures or methods employed for the conduct thereof,
(b) have a significant, adverse effect on the performance by the body of any of its functions relating to management (including industrial relations and management of its staff), or
(c) disclose positions taken, or to be taken, or plans, procedures, criteria or instructions used or followed, or to be used or followed, for the purpose of any negotiations carried on or being, or to be, carried on by or on behalf of the Government or a public body.
(2) Subsection (1) shall not apply in relation to a case in which in the opinion of the head concerned, the public interest would, on balance, be better served by granting than by refusing to grant the request under section 7 concerned.
Parliamentary, court and certain other matters.
22.—(1) A head shall refuse to grant a request under section 7 if the record concerned—
(a) would be exempt from production in proceedings in a court on the ground of legal professional privilege,
(b) is such that its disclosure would constitute contempt of court, or
(c) consists of—
(i) the private papers of a representative in the European Parliament or a member of a local authority or a health board, or
(ii) opinions, advice, recommendations, or the results of consultations, considered by—
(I) either House of the Oireachtas or the Chairman or Deputy Chairman or any other member of either such House or a member of the staff of the Office of the Houses of the Oireachtas for the purposes of the proceedings at a sitting of either such House, or
(II) a committee appointed by either such House or jointly by both such Houses and consisting of members of either or both of such Houses or a member of such a committee or a member of the staff of the Office of the Houses of the Oireachtas for the purposes of the proceedings at a meeting of such a committee.
(2) Where a request under section 7 relates to a record to which subsection (1)(a) applies, or would, if the record existed, apply, and the head concerned is satisfied that the disclosure of the existence or non-existence of the record would be contrary to the public interest, he or she shall refuse to grant the request and shall not disclose to the requester concerned whether or not the record exists.
Law enforcement and public safety.
23.—(1) A head may refuse to grant a request under section 7 if access to the record concerned could, in the opinion of the head, reasonably be expected to—
(a) prejudice or impair—
(i) the prevention, detection or investigation of offences, the apprehension or prosecution of offenders or the effectiveness of lawful methods, systems, plans or procedures employed for the purposes of the matters aforesaid,
(ii) the enforcement of, compliance with or administration of any law,
(iii) lawful methods, systems, plans or procedures for ensuring the safety of the public and the safety or security of persons and property,
(iv) the fairness of criminal proceedings in a court or of civil proceedings in a court or other tribunal,
(v) the security of a penal institution,
(vi) the security of the Central Mental Hospital,
(vii) the security of a building or other structure or a vehicle, ship, boat or aircraft,
(viii) the security of any system of communications, whether internal or external, of the Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces, the Revenue Commissioners or a penal institution,
(b) reveal or lead to the revelation of the identity of a person who has given information to a public body in confidence in relation to the enforcement or administration of the civil law or any other source of such information given in confidence, or
(c) facilitate the commission of an offence.
(2) Where a request under section 7 relates to a record to which subsection (1) applies, or would, if the record existed, apply, and the head concerned is satisfied that the disclosure of the existence or non-existence of the record would have an effect specified in paragraph (a), (b) or (c) of that subsection, he or she shall refuse to grant the request and shall not disclose to the requester concerned whether or not the record exists.
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to a record—
(a) if it—
(i) discloses that an investigation for the purpose of the enforcement of any law, or anything done in the course of such an investigation or for the purposes of the prevention or detection of offences or the apprehension or prosecution of offenders, is not authorised by law or contravenes any law, or
(ii) contains information concerning—
(I) the performance of the functions of a public body whose functions include functions relating to the enforcement of law or the ensuring of the safety of the public (including the effectiveness and efficiency of such performance), or
(II) the merits or otherwise or the success or otherwise of any programme, scheme or policy of a public body for preventing, detecting or investigating contraventions of the law or the effectiveness or efficiency of the implementation of any such programme, scheme or policy by a public body,
and
(b) in the opinion of the head concerned, the public interest would, on balance, be better served by granting than by refusing to grant the request concerned.
(4) In subsection (1) “penal institution” means—
(a) a place to which the Prisons Acts, 1826 to 1980, apply,
(b) a military prison or detention barrack within the meaning, in each case, of the Defence Act, 1954,
(c) Saint Patrick's Institution, or
(d) an institution established under the Children Act, 1908, in which young offenders are detained.
Security, defence and international relations.
24.—(1) A head may refuse to grant a request under section 7 in relation to a record (and, in particular, but without prejudice to the generality otherwise of this subsection, to a record to which subsection (2) applies) if, in the opinion of the head, access to it could reasonably be expected to affect adversely—
(a) the security of the State,
(b) the defence of the State,
(c) the international relations of the State, or
(d) matters relating to Northern Ireland.
(2) This subsection applies to a record that—
(a) contains information—
(i) that was obtained or prepared for the purpose of intelligence in respect of the security or defence of the State, or
(ii) that relates to—
(I) the tactics, strategy or operations of the Defence Forces in or outside the State, or
(II) the detection, prevention, or suppression of activities calculated or tending to undermine the public order or the authority of the State (which expression has the same meaning as in section 2 of the Offences against the State Act, 1939),
(b) contains a communication between a Minister of the Government and a diplomatic mission or consular post in the State or a communication between the Government or a person acting on behalf of the Government and another government or a person acting on behalf of another government,
(c) contains a communication between a Minister of the Government and a diplomatic mission or consular post of the State,
(d) contains information communicated in confidence to any person in or outside the State from any person in or outside the State and relating to a matter referred to in subsection (1) or to the protection of human rights and expressed by the latter person to be confidential or to be communicated in confidence,
(e) contains information communicated in confidence from, to or within an international organisation of states or a subsidiary organ of such an organisation or an institution or body of the European Union or relates to negotiations between the State and such an organisation, organ, institution or body or within or in relation to such an organisation, organ, institution or body, or
(f) is a record of an organisation, organ, institution or body referred to in paragraph (e) containing information the disclosure of which is prohibited by the organisation, organ, institution or body.
(3) Where a request under section 7 relates to a record to which subsection (1) applies, or would, if the record, existed, apply, and the head concerned is satisfied that the disclosure of the existence or non-existence of the record would prejudice a matter referred to in that subsection, he or she shall refuse to grant the request and shall not disclose to the requester concerned whether or not the record exists.
Conclusiveness of certain decisions pursuant to sections 23 and 24.
25.—(1) (a) Subject to paragraph (b), where—
(i) a Minister of the Government or the head of a public body (other than a Department of State or the Office of the Tánaiste) in relation to which functions stand conferred on that Minister of the Government—
(I) pursuant to section 8, refuses to grant a request to him or her under section 7, or
(II) pursuant to section 14, upholds a decision, or decides, to refuse to grant a request under section 7,
because he or she is satisfied that, by virtue of section 23 or 24, the record concerned is an exempt record, and
(ii) the Minister of the Government is satisfied, that the record is of sufficient sensitivity or seriousness to justify his or her doing so,
the Minister of the Government may declare, in a certificate issued by him or her (“a certificate”), that the record is, by virtue of section 23 or 24, an exempt record.
(b) A Minister of the Government shall not issue a certificate in respect of a record the subject of a decision referred to in clause (I) or (II) of paragraph (a) (i) by the head of a public body (other than a Department of State or the Office of the Tánaiste) unless he or she has been requested by the head, in writing or such other form as may be determined, to do so.
(2) Where an application is made to a head for the review under section 14 of a decision to refuse to grant a request under section 7, a certificate shall not be issued in respect of the record concerned more than 3 weeks after the date of the receipt of the application by that head.
(3) While a certificate is in force—
(a) the record to which it relates shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, be deemed conclusively to be an exempt record, and
(b) an application for a review under section 14 or 34, as may be appropriate, of the decision concerned under section 8 or 14 in relation to the record shall not lie.
(4) A document purporting to be a certificate and to be signed by a Minister of the Government shall, unless the contrary is proved, be deemed to be a certificate of that Minister of the Government and to be in force and shall be received in any proceedings in a court or under section 14 or 34 without further proof.
(5) A certificate shall specify—
(a) the request under section 7 concerned,
(b) the provisions of section 23 or 24, as may be appropriate, by reference to which the record to which it relates is an exempt record,
(c) the date on which the certificate is signed by the Minister of the Government concerned and the date of its expiration, and
(d) the name of the requester,
and shall be signed by the Minister of the Government by whom it is issued.
(6) Upon the issue of a certificate, the Minister of the Government concerned shall cause—
(a) a copy of the certificate to be furnished forthwith to the requester concerned, and
(b) a copy of the certificate and a statement in writing of the reasons why the record to which it relates is an exempt record and of the matter by reference to which the Minister of the Government is satisfied that subsection (1) (a) (ii) applies to the record to be furnished forthwith to the Taoiseach and such other Ministers of the Government as may be prescribed.
(7) (a) Subject to paragraph (b), the Taoiseach, jointly with any other Ministers of the Government standing prescribed under subsection (6), shall, as soon as may be after the expiration of each period of 6 months (or such other period not exceeding 12 months in length as may be prescribed) beginning with the period from the commencement of this Act, review the operation of subsection (1) during that period.
(b) A Minister of the Government shall not take part in a review under this subsection in so far as it relates to a certificate issued by him or her but may make submissions to the other Ministers of the Government concerned in relation to the part of such a review in which he or she is precluded as aforesaid from taking part.
(c) If, following a review under this subsection, the Ministers of the Government concerned are not satisfied—
(i) that a record to which the certificate concerned relates is an exempt record, or
(ii) that any of the information contained in the record is of sufficient sensitivity or seriousness to justify the continuance in force of the certificate,
they shall request the Minister of the Government concerned to revoke the certificate.
(d) A Minister of the Government may, for the purposes of a review by that Minister of the Government under this subsection, examine all relevant records held by or on behalf of or under the control of another head.
(8) (a) The Taoiseach may, at any time, review the operation of subsection (1) in so far as it relates to any other Minister of the Government or the issue of a particular certificate by another Minister of the Government.
(b) Paragraphs (c) and (d) of subsection (7) shall have effect in relation to a review under this subsection with the necessary modifications.
(9) A Minister of the Government may, and shall, if so requested pursuant to subsection (7) (c), by instrument signed by him or her, revoke a certificate issued by that Minister of the Government and, if he or she does so, he or she shall cause the requester concerned to be furnished forthwith with a copy of the instrument.
(10) If a certificate or the decision concerned under section 8 or 14 in relation to a record to which a certificate relates is annulled by the High Court under section 42, the certificate shall thereupon expire.
(11) A Minister of the Government shall, in each year after the year in which this section comes into operation, cause to be prepared and furnished to the Commissioner a report in writing specifying the number of certificates issued by him or her in the preceding year and the provisions of section 23 or 24, as may be appropriate, by virtue of which, pursuant to section 8, the grant of the request under section 7 concerned was refused, or, pursuant to section 14, a decision to uphold a decision to refuse to grant, the request under section 7 concerned was made.
(12) Where a certificate is revoked or has expired and another certificate is not in force in relation to the record concerned or the certificate is annulled under section 42, the requester concerned may make an application for a review under section 14 or 34, as may be appropriate, of the decision concerned under section 8 or 14 not later than 28 days after the date of the revocation, expiration or annulment, as the case may be.
(13) Subject to subsections (9) and (10), a certificate shall remain in force for a period of 2 years from the date on which it is signed by the Minister of the Government concerned and shall then expire, but a Minister of the Government may, at any time, issue a certificate under this section in respect of a record in relation to which a certificate had previously been issued unless pursuant to—
(a) a decision (which has not been reversed) following a review under section 14 or 34, or
(b) a decision under section 42 on an appeal to the High Court,
the record is not an exempt record.
Information obtained in confidence.
26.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, a head shall refuse to grant a request under section 7 if—
(a) the record concerned contains information given to the public body concerned in confidence and on the understanding that it would be treated by it as confidential (including such information as aforesaid that a person was required by law, or could have been required by the body pursuant to law, to give to the body) and, in the opinion of the head, its disclosure would be likely to prejudice the giving to the body of further similar information from the same person or other persons and it is of importance to the body that such further similar information as aforesaid should continue to be given to the body, or
(b) disclosure of the information concerned would constitute a breach of a duty of confidence provided for by a provision of an agreement or enactment (other than a provision specified in column (3) of the Third Schedule of an enactment specified in that Schedule) or otherwise by law.
(2) Subsection (1) shall not apply to a record which is prepared by a head or any other person (being a director, or member of the staff of, a public body or a person who is providing a service for a public body under a contract for services) in the course of the performance of his or her functions unless disclosure of the information concerned would constitute a breach of a duty of confidence that is provided for by an agreement or statute or otherwise by law and is owed to a person other than a public body or head or a director, or member of the staff of, a public body or a person who is providing or provided a service for a public body under a contract for services.
(3) Subject to section 29, subsection (1) (a) shall not apply in relation to a case in which, in the opinion of the head concerned, the public interest would, on balance, be better served by granting than by refusing to grant the request under section 7 concerned.
Commercially sensitive information.
27.—(1) Subject to subsection (2), a head shall refuse to grant a request under section 7 if the record concerned contains—
(a) trade secrets of a person other than the requester concerned,
(b) financial, commercial, scientific or technical or other information whose disclosure could reasonably be expected to result in a material financial loss or gain to the person to whom the information relates, or could prejudice the competitive position of that person in the conduct of his or her profession or business or otherwise in his or her occupation, or
(c) information whose disclosure could prejudice the conduct or outcome of contractual or other negotiations of the person to whom the information relates.
(2) A head shall grant a request under section 7 to which subsection (1) relates if—
(a) the person to whom the record concerned relates consents, in writing or in such other form as may be determined, to access to the record being granted to the requester concerned,
(b) information of the same kind as that contained in the record in respect of persons generally or a class of persons that is, having regard to all the circumstances, of significant size, is available to the general public,
(c) the record relates only to the requester,
(d) information contained in the record was given to the public body concerned by the person to whom it relates and the person was informed on behalf of the body, before its being so given, that the information belongs to a class of information that would or might be made available to the general public, or
(e) disclosure of the information concerned is necessary in order to avoid a serious and imminent danger to the life or health of an individual or to the environment.
(3) Subject to section 29, subsection (1) does not apply in relation to a case in which, in the opinion of the head concerned, the public interest would, on balance, be better served by granting than by refusing to grant the request under section 7 concerned.
Personal information.
28.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, a head shall refuse to grant a request under section 7 if, in the opinion of the head, access to the record concerned would involve the disclosure of personal information (including personal information relating to a deceased individual).
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if—
(a) subject to subsection (3), the information concerned relates to the requester concerned,
(b) any individual to whom the information relates consents, in writing or such other form as may be determined, to its disclosure to the requester,
(c) information of the same kind as that contained in the record in respect of individuals generally, or a class of individuals that is, having regard to all the circumstances, of significant size, is available to the general public,
(d) the information was given to the public body concerned by the individual to whom it relates and the individual was informed on behalf of the body, before its being so given, that the information belongs to a class of information that would or might be made available to the general public, or
(e) disclosure of the information is necessary in order to avoid a serious and imminent danger to the life or health of an individual,
but, in a case falling within paragraph (a) or (b), the head concerned shall ensure that, before the request under section 7 concerned is granted, the identity of the requester or, as the case may be, the consent of the individual is established to the satisfaction of the head.
(3) Where a request under section 7 relates to—
(a) a record of a medical or psychiatric nature relating to the requester concerned, or
(b) a record kept for the purposes of, or obtained in the course of the carrying out of, social work in relation to the requester,
and, in the opinion of the head concerned, disclosure of the information concerned to the requester might be prejudicial to his or her physical or mental health, well-being or emotional condition, the head may decide to refuse to grant the request.
(4) Where, pursuant to subsection (3), a head refuses to grant a request under section 7—
(a) there shall be included in the notice under section 8 (1) in relation to the matter a statement to the effect that, if the requester requests the head to do so, the head will offer access to the record concerned, and keep it available for that purpose, in accordance with section 8 (3) to such health professional having expertise in relation to the subject-matter of the record as the requester may specify, and
(b) if the requester so requests the head, he or she shall offer access to the record to such health professional as aforesaid, and keep it available for that purpose, in accordance with section 8 (3).
(5) Where, as respects a request under section 7 the grant of which would, but for this subsection, fall to be refused under subsection (1), in the opinion of the head concerned, on balance—
(a) the public interest that the request should be granted outweighs the public interest that the right to privacy of the individual to whom the information relates should be upheld, or
(b) the grant of the request would benefit the individual aforesaid,
the head may, subject to section 29, grant the request.
(6) Notwithstanding subsection (1), the Minister may provide by regulations for the grant of a request under section 7 where—
(a) the individual to whom the record concerned relates belongs to a class specified in the regulations and the requester concerned is the parent or guardian of the individual, or
(b) the individual to whom the record concerned relates is dead and the requester concerned is a member of a class specified in the regulations.
(7) In this section “health professional” means a medical practitioner, within the meaning of the Medical Practitioners Act, 1978, a registered dentist, within the meaning of the Dentists Act, 1985, or a member of any other class of health worker or social worker standing prescribed, after consultation with such (if any) other Ministers of the Government as the Minister considers appropriate.
Procedure in relation to certain requests under section 7 to which section 26, 27 or 28 applies.
29.—(1) In this section “a request to which this section applies” means a request under section 7 to which section 26 (3) or 27 (3) applies or to which section 28 (5) applies and which, apart from this section, would fall to be granted.
(2) Subject to subsection (5), before deciding whether to grant a request to which this section applies, a head shall, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the request—
(a) if the request is one to which section 26 (3) applies, cause the person who gave the information concerned to the public body concerned and, if the head considers it appropriate, the person to whom the information relates, or
(b) if the request is one to which section 27 (3) or 28 (5) applies, cause the person to whom the information relates,
to be notified, in writing or in such other form as may be determined—
(i) of the request and that, apart from this section, it falls, in the public interest, to be granted,
(ii) that the person may, not later than 3 weeks after the receipt of the notification, make submissions to the head in relation to the request, and
(iii) that the head will consider any such submissions before deciding whether to grant or refuse to grant the request.
(3) A person who receives a notification under subsection (2) may, not later than 3 weeks after such receipt, make submissions to the head concerned in relation to the request to which this section applies referred to in the notification and the head—
(a) shall consider any such submissions so made before deciding whether to grant the request,
(b) shall cause the person to be notified in writing or in such other form as may be determined of the decision, and
(c) if the decision is to grant the request, shall cause to be included in the notification particulars of the right of review of the decision under section 34, the procedure governing the exercise of that right and the time limit governing such exercise.
(4) Subject to subsection (5), a head shall make a decision whether to grant a request to which this section applies, and shall comply with subsection (3) in relation thereto, not later than 2 weeks after—
(a) the expiration of the time specified in subsection (3), or
(b) the receipt of submissions under that subsection in relation to the request from those concerned,
whichever is the earlier, and section 8 (1) shall be construed and shall have effect accordingly.
(5) If, in relation to a request to which this section applies, the head concerned is unable to comply with subsection (2), having taken all reasonable steps to do so, the head shall, if the Commissioner consents to the non-compliance, make a decision whether to grant or refuse the request not later than 7 weeks after the receipt of the request and in such a case section 8 (1) shall be construed and shall have effect accordingly.
(6) If, in relation to a request to which this section applies, the Commissioner does not consent, pursuant to subsection (5), to non-compliance with subsection (2), he or she shall direct the head concerned to take specified steps within a specified period for the purpose of complying with subsection (2) and if, having taken those steps within that period or such further period as the Commissioner may specify, the head is unable to comply with that subsection, he or she shall, as soon as may be, make a decision whether to grant or refuse the request.
Research and natural resources.
30.—(1) A head may refuse to grant a request under section 7 if, in the opinion of the head—
(a) the record concerned contains information in relation to research being or to be carried out by or on behalf of a public body and disclosure of the information or its disclosure before the completion of the research would be likely to expose the body, any person who is or will be carrying out the research on behalf of the body or the subject matter of the research to serious disadvantage, or
(b) disclosure of information contained in the record could reasonably be expected to prejudice the well-being of a cultural, heritage or natural resource or a species, or the habitat of a species, of flora or fauna.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to a case in which, in the opinion of the head concerned, the public interest would, on balance, be better served by granting than by refusing to grant the request under section 7 concerned.
Financial and economic interests of the State and public bodies.
31.—(1) A head may refuse to grant a request under section 7 in relation to a record (and, in particular, but without prejudice to the generality otherwise of this subsection, to a record to which subsection (2) applies) if, in the opinion of the head—
(a) access to the record could reasonably be expected to have a serious adverse affect on the financial interests of the State or on the ability of the Government to manage the national economy,
(b) premature disclosure of information contained in the record could reasonably be expected to result in undue disturbance of the ordinary course of business generally, or any particular class of business, in the State and access to the record would involve disclosure of the information that would, in all the circumstances, be premature, or
(c) access to the record could reasonably be expected to result in an unwarranted benefit or loss to a person or class of persons.
(2) This subsection applies to a record relating to—
(a) rates of exchange or the currency of the State,
(b) taxes, revenue duties or other sources of income for the State, a local authority or any other public body,
(c) interest rates,
(d) borrowing by or on behalf of the State or a public body,
(e) the regulation or supervision by or on behalf of the State or a public body of the business of banking or insurance or the lending of money or of other financial business or of institutions or other persons carrying on any of the businesses aforesaid,
(f) dealings in securities or foreign currency,
(g) the regulation or control by or on behalf of the State or a public body of wages, salaries or prices,
(h) proposals in relation to expenditure by or on behalf of the State or a public body including the control, restriction or prohibition of any such expenditure,
(i) property held by or on behalf of the State or a public body and transactions or proposed or contemplated transactions involving such property,
(j) foreign investment in enterprises in the State,
(k) industrial development in the State,
(l) trade between persons in the State and persons outside the State,
(m) trade secrets or financial, commercial, industrial, scientific or technical information belonging to the State or a public body and is of substantial value or is reasonably likely to be of substantial value,
(n) information the disclosure of which could reasonably be expected to affect adversely the competitive position of a public body in relation to activities carried on by it on a commercial basis, or
(o) the economic or financial circumstances of a public body.
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to a case in which, in the opinion of the head concerned, the public interest would, on balance, be better served by granting than by refusing to grant the request under section 7 concerned.
Enactments relating to non-disclosure of records.
32.—(1) A head shall refuse to grant a request under section 7 if—
(a) the disclosure of the record concerned is prohibited by any enactment (other than a provision specified in column (3) of the Third Schedule of an enactment specified in that Schedule), or
(b) the non-disclosure of the record is authorised by any such enactment in certain circumstances and the case is one in which the head would, pursuant to the enactment, refuse to disclose the record.
(2) A joint committee of both Houses of the Oireachtas shall, if authorised in that behalf by both such Houses (and such a committee so authorised is referred to subsequently in this section as “the committee”)—
(a) review from time to time the operation of any provisions of any enactment that authorise or require the non-disclosure of a record (other than a provision specified in the said column (3)) for the purpose of ascertaining whether, having regard to the provisions, purposes and spirit of this Act—
(i) any of those provisions should be amended or repealed, or
(ii) a reference to any of them should be included in the said column (3),
and
(b) prepare and furnish to each such House a report in writing of the results of the review aforesaid and, if it considers it appropriate to do so, include in the report recommendations in relation to the amendment, repeal or continuance in force of, or the inclusion in the said column (3) of a reference to, any of those provisions.
(3) A Minister of the Government shall, in accordance with subsection (6), prepare and furnish to the committee reports in writing—
(a) specifying, as respects any enactments that confer functions on that Minister of the Government or on a public body in relation to which functions are vested in that Minister of the Government, any provisions thereof that authorise or require the non-disclosure of a record, and
(b) specifying whether, in the opinion of that Minister of the Government and (where appropriate) any such public body, formed having regard to the provisions, purposes and spirit of this Act—
(i) any of the provisions referred to in paragraph (a) should be amended, repealed or allowed to continue in force, or
(ii) a reference to any of them should be included in the said column (3),
and outlining the reasons for the opinion.
(4) A Minister of the Government shall cause a copy of a report prepared by him or her under subsection (3) to be furnished to the Commissioner and to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas.
(5) The Commissioner may, and shall, if so requested by the committee, furnish to the committee his or her opinion and conclusions in relation to a report under subsection (3) or any matter contained in or arising out of such a report or any matter relating to or arising out of the operation of this section.
(6) The first report under subsection (3) of a Minister of the Government shall be furnished by him or her in accordance with that subsection not later than 12 months after the commencement of this Act and subsequent such reports of that Minister of the Government shall be so furnished not later than 30 days after the fifth anniversary of the day on which the last previous such report by him or her was so furnished.
PART IV
The Information Commissioner
Establishment of office of Information Commissioner.
33.—(1) There is hereby established the office of Information Commissioner and the holder of the office shall be known as the Information Commissioner.
(2) The Commissioner shall be independent in the performance of his or her functions.
(3) The appointment of a person to be the Commissioner shall be made by the President on the advice of the Government following a resolution passed by Dáil Éireann and by Seanad Éireann recommending the appointment of the person.
(4) (a) Subject to paragraph (b), the provisions of the Second Schedule shall have effect in relation to the Commissioner.
(b) Paragraphs 4 and 5 of the Second Schedule shall not have effect where the person who holds the office of Commissioner also holds the office of Ombudsman.
(5) Section 2 (6) of the Ombudsman Act, 1980 shall not apply to a person who holds the office of Ombudsman and also holds the office of Commissioner.
Review by Commissioner of decisions.
34.—(1) This section applies to—
(a) a decision under section 14, other than a decision referred to in paragraph (c),
(b) a decision specified in paragraph (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) or (f) of section 14 (1),
(c) a decision under section 14, or a decision under section 47, that a fee or deposit exceeding £10 or such other amount (if any) as may stand prescribed for the time being should be charged under section 47,
(d) a decision under section 9 to extend the time for the consideration of a request under section 7,
(e) a decision under section 11 to defer the giving of access to a record falling within paragraph (b) or (c) of subsection (1) of that section, and
(f) a decision on a request to which section 29 applies,
but excluding—
(i) a decision aforesaid made by the Commissioner in respect of a record held by the Commissioner or (in a case where the same person holds the office of Ombudsman and the office of Commissioner) made by the Ombudsman in respect of a record held by the Ombudsman, and
(ii) a decision referred to in paragraph (b), and a decision under section 47 referred to in paragraph (c), made by a person to whom the function concerned stood delegated under section 4 at the time of the making of the decision.
(2) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Commissioner may, on application to him or her in that behalf, in writing or in such other form as may be determined, by a relevant person—
(a) review a decision to which this section applies, and
(b) following the review, may, as he or she considers appropriate—
(i) affirm or vary the decision, or
(ii) annul the decision and, if appropriate, make such decision in relation to the matter concerned as he or she considers proper,
in accordance with this Act.
(3) A decision under subsection (2) shall be made as soon as may be and, in so far as practicable—
(a) in case the application for the review concerned was made during the period of 3 years from the commencement of this Act, not later than 4 months after the receipt by the Commissioner of the application, and
(b) in case the application for the review was made after the expiration of the period aforesaid, not later than 3 months after the receipt by the Commissioner of the application.
(4) An application under subsection (2) shall be made—
(a) if it relates to a decision specified in paragraph (d) or (f) of subsection (1), not later than 2 weeks after the notification of the decision to the relevant person concerned, and
(b) if it relates to any other decision specified in that subsection, not later than 6 months after the notification of the decision to the relevant person concerned or, in a case in which the Commissioner is of opinion that there are reasonable grounds for extending that period, the expiration of such longer period as he or she may determine.
(5) A person who makes an application under subsection (2) may, by notice in writing given to the Commissioner, at any time before a notice under subsection (10) in relation to the application is given to the person, withdraw the application, and the Commissioner shall cause a copy of any notice given to him or her under this subsection to be given to the relevant person, or the head, concerned, as may be appropriate, and any other person to whom, in the opinion of the Commissioner, it should be given.
(6) As soon as may be after the receipt by the Commissioner of an application under subsection (2), the Commissioner shall cause a copy of the application to be given to the head concerned, and, as may be appropriate, to the relevant person concerned and, if the Commissioner proposes to review the decision concerned, he or she shall cause the head and the relevant person and any other person who, in the opinion of the Commissioner, should be notified of the proposal to be so notified and, thereupon, the head shall give to the Commissioner particulars, in writing or in such other form as may be determined, of any persons whom he or she has or, in the case of a refusal to grant a request to which section 29 applies, would, if he or she had intended to grant the request under section 7 concerned, have notified of the request.
(7) Where an application under subsection (2) is made, the Commissioner may at any time endeavour to effect a settlement between the parties concerned of the matter concerned and may for that purpose, notwithstanding subsection (3), suspend, for such period as may be agreed with the parties concerned and, if appropriate, discontinue, the review concerned.
(8) In relation to a proposed review under this section, the head, and the relevant person concerned and any other person who is notified under subsection (6) of the review may make submissions (as the Commissioner may determine, in writing or orally or in such other form as may be determined) to the Commissioner in relation to any matter relevant to the review and the Commissioner shall take any such submissions into account for the purposes of the review.
(9) (a) The Commissioner may refuse to grant an application under subsection (2) or discontinue a review under this section if he or she is or becomes of the opinion that—
(i) the application aforesaid or the application to which the review relates (“the application”) is frivolous or vexatious,
(ii) the application does not relate to a decision specified in subsection (1), or
(iii) the matter to which the application relates is, has been or will be, the subject of another review under this section.
(b) In determining whether to refuse to grant an application under subsection (2) or to discontinue a review under this section, the Commissioner shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, act in accordance with his or her own discretion.
(10) Notice, in writing or in such other form as may be determined, of a decision under subsection (2) (b), or of a refusal or discontinuation under subsection (9), and the reasons therefor, shall be given by the Commissioner to—
(a) the head concerned,
(b) the relevant person concerned, and
(c) any other person to whom, in the opinion of the Commissioner, such notice should be given.
(11) (a) The notice referred to in subsection (10) shall be given as soon as may be after the decision, refusal or discontinuation concerned and, if it relates to a decision under subsection (2), in so far as practicable, within the period specified in subsection (3).
(b) The report of the Commissioner for any year under section 40 shall specify the number of cases (if any) in that year in which a notice referred to in subsection (10) in relation to a decision under subsection (2) (b) was not given to a person specified in subsection (10) within the appropriate period specified in paragraph (a).
(12) In a review under this section—
(a) a decision to grant a request to which section 29 applies shall be presumed to have been justified unless the person concerned to whom subsection (2) of that section applies shows to the satisfaction of the Commissioner that the decision was not justified, and
(b) a decision to refuse to grant a request under section 7 shall be presumed not to have been justified unless the head concerned shows to the satisfaction of the Commissioner that the decision was justified.
(13) A decision of the Commissioner following a review under this section shall, where appropriate, specify the period within which effect shall be given to the decision and, in fixing such a period, the Commissioner shall have regard to the desirability, subject to section 44, of giving effect to such a decision as soon as may be after compliance in relation thereto with subsection (11).
(14) Subject to the provisions of this Act, a decision under subsection (2) shall—
(a) in so far as it is inconsistent with the decision to which this section applies concerned have effect in lieu thereof, and
(b) be binding on the parties concerned.
(15) In this section “relevant person”, in relation to a decision specified in subsection (1), means—
(a) the requester concerned and, if the decision is in respect of a request to which section 29 relates, a person to whom subsection (2) of that section applies, or
(b) if the decision is under section 17 or 18, the person who made the application concerned under that section.
Requests for further information by Commissioner.
35.—(1) Where—
(a) an application for the review by the Commissioner of—
(i) a decision to refuse to grant a request under section 7, or
(ii) a decision under section 14 in relation to a decision referred to in subparagraph (i),
is made under section 34, and
(b) the Commissioner considers that the statement of the reasons for the decision referred to in paragraph (a) (i) in the notice under subsection (1) of section 8 or of the findings or particulars referred to in subsection (2) (d) (ii) of that section in relation to the matter is not adequate,
the Commissioner shall direct the head concerned to furnish to the requester concerned and the Commissioner a statement, in writing or such other form as may be determined, containing any further information in relation to those matters that is in the power or control of the head.
(2) A head shall comply with a direction under this section as soon as may be, but not later than 3 weeks, after its receipt.
Review of operation of Act and investigations by Commissioner.
36.—(1) The Commissioner shall keep the operation of this Act under review and may, subject to subsection (2), carry out an investigation at any time into the practices and procedures adopted by public bodies generally or any particular public body or public bodies for the purposes of compliance with—
(a) the provisions of this Act generally,
(b) any particular provisions of this Act.
(2) The Commissioner shall carry out an investigation under subsection (1) (a) in relation to public bodies generally not later than 3 years after the commencement of this Act.
(3) The Commissioner may at any time carry out an investigation into the practices and procedures adopted by public bodies or any particular public body or public bodies for the purposes of enabling persons to exercise the rights conferred by this Act and facilitating such exercise.
(4) The Commissioner may at any time prepare a report, in writing or such other form as may be determined—
(a) of his or her findings and conclusions resulting from the performance of any function under subsection (1) (2) or (3), or
(b) on any matter relating to or arising out of the performance of such a function.
(5) The Commissioner shall, if he or she considers it appropriate to do so, cause a copy of a report under this section to be furnished to the Minister and to each public body concerned and shall cause a copy of the report to be appended to the report under section 40 (1) prepared next after the preparation of the first-mentioned report.
Powers of Commissioner.
37.—(1) The Commissioner may, for the purposes of a review under section 34 or an investigation under section 36—
(a) require any person who, in the opinion of the Commissioner, is in possession of information, or has a record in his or her power or control, that, in the opinion of the Commissioner, is relevant to the purposes aforesaid to furnish to the Commissioner any such information or record that is in his or her possession or, as the case may be, power or control and, where appropriate, require the person to attend before him or her for that purpose, and
(b) examine and take copies in any form of, or of extracts from any record that, in the opinion of the Commissioner, is relevant to the review or investigation and for those purposes take possession of any such record, remove it from the premises and retain it in his or her possession for a reasonable period.
(2) The Commissioner may for the purposes of such a review or investigation as aforesaid enter any premises occupied by a public body and there—
(a) require any person found on the premises to furnish him or her with such information in the possession of the person as he or she may reasonably require for the purposes aforesaid and to make available to him or her any record in his or her power or control that, in the opinion of the Commissioner, is relevant to those purposes, and
(b) examine and take copies of, or of extracts from, any record made available to him or her as aforesaid or found on the premises.
(3) Subject to subsection (4), no enactment or rule of law prohibiting or restricting the disclosure or communication of information shall preclude a person from furnishing to the Commissioner any such information or record, as aforesaid.
(4) A person to whom a requirement is addressed under this section shall be entitled to the same immunities and privileges as a witness in a court.
(5) The Commissioner may, if he or she thinks fit, pay to any person who, for the purposes of a review under section 34, or an investigation under section 36, attends before the Commissioner or furnishes information or a record or other thing to him or her—
(a) sums in respect of travelling and subsistence expenses properly incurred by the person, and
(b) allowances by way of compensation for loss of his or her time,
of such amount as may be determined by the Minister.
(6) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the procedure for conducting a review under section 34 or an investigation under section 36 shall be such as the Commissioner considers appropriate in all the circumstances of the case and, without prejudice to the foregoing, shall be as informal as is consistent with the due performance of the functions of the Commissioner.
(7) A person who fails or refuses to comply with a requirement under this section or who hinders or obstructs the Commissioner in the performance of his or her functions under this section shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £1,500 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or both.
(8) This section does not apply to a record in respect of which a certificate under section 25 is in force.
Commissioner to encourage publication of information by public bodies.
38.—The Commissioner shall foster and encourage the publication by public bodies, in addition to the publications provided for by sections 15 and 16, of information of relevance or interest to the general public in relation to their activities and functions generally.
Publication of commentaries by Commissioner on practical application, etc., of Act.
39.—The Commissioner may prepare and publish commentaries on the practical application and operation of the provisions, or any particular provisions, of this Act, including commentaries based on the experience of holders of the office of Commissioner in relation to reviews, and decisions following reviews, of such holders under section 34.
Reports of Commissioner.
40.—(1) The Commissioner shall, in each year after the year in which this section comes into operation—
(a) prepare a report in relation to his or her activities under this Act in the previous year, and
(b) append to the report a copy of any report furnished to him or her under section 25 (11),
(c) cause copies of the report and of any copy referred to in paragraph (b) to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas.
(2) The Commissioner may, if he or she considers it appropriate to do so in the public interest or in the interests of any person, prepare and publish a report in relation to any investigation, or review carried out or other function performed, by him or her under this Act or any matter relating to or arising in the course of such an investigation, review or performance.
PART V
Miscellaneous
Decisions deemed to have been made in certain cases.
41.—(1) Where notice of a decision under section 8 or 17 is not given to the requester concerned or to the person who made the application concerned under section 17 before the expiration of the period specified for that purpose in section 8 or 17, as the case may be, a decision refusing to grant the request under section 7 or the application under section 17 shall be deemed for the purposes of this Act to have been made upon such expiration and to have been made by a person to whom the relevant functions stood delegated under section 4.
(2) Where notice of a decision under section 14 is not given to the person who made the application concerned under that section before the expiration of the period specified in subsection (4) thereof, a decision affirming the decision to which the application relates shall be deemed for the purposes of this Act to have been made upon such expiration.
(3) Where a statement under subsection (1), or notice of a decision under subsection (4), of section 18 is not given to the person who made the application under the said subsection (1) concerned before the expiration of the period specified for that purpose in the said subsection (1) or (4), as the case may be, a decision refusing to grant the application shall be deemed for the purposes of this Act to have been made upon such expiration and to have been made by a person to whom the relevant functions stood delegated under section 4.
Appeal to High Court.
42.—(1) A party to a review under section 34 or any other person affected by the decision of the Commissioner following such a review may appeal to the High Court on a point of law from the decision.
(2) The requester concerned or any other person affected by—
(a) the issue of a certificate under section 25,
(b) a decision, pursuant to section 8, to refuse to grant a request under section 7 in relation to a record the subject of such a certificate, or
(c) a decision, pursuant to section 14, to refuse to grant, or to uphold a decision to refuse to grant, such a request,
may appeal to the High Court on a point of law against such issue or from such decision.
(3) A person may appeal to the High Court from—
(a) a decision under section 14, or
(b) a decision specified in paragraph (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) or (g) of subsection (1) of that section (other than such a decision made by a person to whom the function stood delegated under section 4 at the time of the making of the decision),
made by the Commissioner in respect of a record held by the Office of the Commissioner or (in a case where the same person holds the office of Ombudsman and the office of Commissioner) made by the Ombudsman in respect of a record held by the Office of the Ombudsman.
(4) An appeal under subsection (1), (2) or (3) shall be initiated not later than 4 weeks after notice of the decision concerned was given to the person bringing the appeal.
(5) The Commissioner may refer any question of law arising in a review under section 34 to the High Court for determination, and the Commissioner may postpone the making of a decision following the review until such time as he or she considers convenient after the determination of the High Court.
(6) (a) Where an appeal under this section by a person other than a head is dismissed by the High Court, that Court may, if it considers that the point of law concerned was of exceptional public importance, order that some or all of the costs of the person in relation to the appeal be paid by the public body concerned.
(b) The High Court may order that some or all of the costs of a person (other than a head) in relation to a reference under this section be paid by the public body concerned.
(7) A decision of the High Court following an appeal under subsection (1), (2) or (3) shall, where appropriate, specify the period within which effect shall be given to the decision.
(8) The decision of the High Court on an appeal or reference under this section shall be final and conclusive.
Precautions by High Court and Commissioner against disclosure of certain information.
43.—(1) In proceedings in the High Court under or in relation to this Act, that Court shall take all reasonable precautions to prevent the disclosure to the public or, if appropriate, to a party (other than a head) to the proceedings of—
(a) information contained in an exempt record, or
(b) information as to whether a record exists or does not exist in a case where the head concerned is required by this Act not to disclose whether the record exists or does not exist.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), precautions under that subsection may include—
(a) hearing the whole or part of any such proceedings as aforesaid otherwise than in public,
(b) prohibiting the publication of such information in relation to any such proceedings as it may determine, including information in relation to the parties to the proceedings and the contents of orders made by the High Court in the proceedings, and
(c) examining a record or a copy of a record without giving access or information in relation thereto to a party (other than a head) to the proceedings.
(3) In the performance of his or her functions under this Act, the Commissioner shall take all reasonable precautions (including conducting the whole or part of a review under section 34 or an investigation under section 36 otherwise than in public) to prevent the disclosure to the public or, in the case of such a review, to a party (other than a head) to the proceedings concerned of information specified in paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (1).
Stay on certain decisions.
44.—(1) This section applies to—
(a) a decision to grant a request to which section 29 applies, and
(b) a decision under section 34.
(2) Effect shall not be given to a decision to which this section applies before—
(a) the expiration of the time for—
(i) making an application for a review of the decision under section 34, or
(ii) bringing an appeal to the High Court from the decision,
as may be appropriate,
or
(b) if such an application or appeal is made or brought, the determination or withdrawal thereof,
whichever is the later.
Immunity from legal proceedings.
45.—(1) This section applies to—
(a) an act consisting of the grant or the grant in part under section 8 or by virtue of section 14 or 34 of a request under section 7,
(b) an act consisting of the furnishing to a person under section 18 of a statement specified in that section, or
(c) an act consisting of the publication under section 15 or 16 of a document specified in that section,
being an act that was required or authorised by, and complied with the provisions of, this Act or was reasonably believed by the head concerned to have been so required or authorised and to comply with the provisions of this Act.
(2) Subject to the provisions of this section, civil or criminal proceedings shall not lie in any court—
(a) against—
(i) the State,
(ii) a public body,
(iii) a head,
(iv) a director or a member of the staff of a public body, or
(v) a person providing a service for a public body under a contract for services with the body,
in respect of an act to which this section applies or any consequences of such an act, or
(b) against the author of a record to which an act specified in subsection (1)(a) relates or any other person in respect of any publication involved in, or resulting from, that act by reason of that author or other person having supplied the record to the public body.
(3) Subsection (2) does not apply in relation to proceedings for breach of a duty imposed by section 16.
(4) Civil or criminal proceedings shall not lie in any court against the Commissioner or a member of the staff of the Commissioner in respect of anything said or done in good faith by the Commissioner or member in the course of the performance or purported performance of a function of the Commissioner or member.
(5) The grant of a request under section 7 shall not be taken as constituting an authorisation or approval—
(a) for the purposes of the law relating to defamation or breach of confidence, of the publication of the record concerned or any information contained therein by the requester concerned or any other person,
(b) for the purposes of the law of copyright, of the doing by the requester concerned of any act comprised within the copyright in—
(i) any literary, dramatic, musical or artistic work,
(ii) any sound recording, cinematograph film, television broadcast or sound broadcast, or
(iii) a published edition of a literary, dramatic, musical or artistic work, contained in the record concerned, or
(c) for the purposes of the Performers' Protection Act, 1968, of the doing by the requester concerned, in relation to any record or cinematograph film (within the meaning, in each case, of that Act) contained in the record concerned, of an act prohibited by that Act.
(6) Words or expressions that are used in subparagraph (i), (ii) or (iii) of subsection (5)(b) and are also used in the Copyright Act, 1963, have in those subparagraphs the same meanings as in that Act.
Restriction of Act.
46.—(1) This Act does not apply to—
(a) a record held by—
(i) the courts,
(ii) a tribunal to which the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act, 1921, is applied, or
(iii) a service tribunal within the meaning of section 161 of the Defence Act, 1954,
and relating to, or to proceedings in, a court or such a tribunal other than—
(I) a record that relates to proceedings in a court or such a tribunal held in public but was not created by the court or tribunal and whose disclosure to the general public is not prohibited by the court or the tribunal, or
(II) a record relating to the general administration of the courts or the offices of the courts or such a tribunal or any offices of such a tribunal,
(b) a record held or created by the Attorney General or the Director of Public Prosecutions or the Office of the Attorney General or the Director of Public Prosecutions (other than a record concerning the general administration of either of those Offices),
(c) a record relating to—
(i) a review under section 34 or an investigation under section 36,
(ii) an audit, inspection or examination carried out by the Comptroller and Auditor General under the Comptroller and Auditor General Acts, 1923 and 1993, the Exchequer and Audit Department Acts, 1866 and 1921, or any other enactment, or
(iii) an investigation or examination carried out by the Ombudsman under the Ombudsman Act, 1980,
other than—
(I) such a record that was created before the commencement of the review, investigation, audit, inspection or examination aforesaid, or
(II) a record relating to the general administration of the Office of the Commissioner, the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General or the Office of the Ombudsman,
(d) a record relating to the President,
(e) a record relating to any of the private papers (within the meaning of Article 15.10 of the Constitution) of a member of either House of the Oireachtas or an official document of either or both of such Houses that is required by the rules or standing orders of either or both of such Houses to be treated as confidential, or
(f) a record relating to information whose disclosure could reasonably be expected to reveal or lead to the revelation of—
(i) the identity of a person who has provided information to a public body in confidence in relation to the enforcement of the criminal law, or
(ii) any other source of such information provided in confidence to a public body.
(2) Subject to subsection (3), this Act does not apply to—
(a) a record that is available for inspection by members of the public whether upon payment or free of charge, or
(b) a record a copy of which is available for purchase or removal free of charge by members of the public,
whether by virtue of an enactment (other than this Act) or otherwise.
(3) A record shall not be within subsection (2) by reason only of the fact that it contains information constituting personal data to which the Data Protection Act, 1988, applies.
Fees.
47.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, a fee of such amount as may be appropriate having regard to the provisions of this section shall be charged by the public body concerned and paid by the requester concerned to the body in respect of the grant of a request under section 7.
(2) Subject to the provisions of this section, the amount of a fee under this section shall be equal to—
(a) the estimated cost of the search for and retrieval of the record concerned, and
(b) the estimated cost of any copy of the record made by the public body concerned for the requester concerned,
as determined by the head concerned.
(3) For the purposes of subsection (2)—
(a) the amount of the cost of the search for and retrieval of a record shall be calculated at the rate of such amount per hour as stands prescribed for the time being in respect of the time that was spent, or ought, in the opinion of the head concerned, to have been spent, by each person concerned in carrying out the search and retrieval efficiently, and
(b) the amount of the cost specified in subsection (2)(b) shall not exceed such amount (if any) as stands prescribed for the time being and the determination of that amount shall be in compliance with any provisions standing prescribed for the time being in relation to such determination.
(4) Where the record or records concerned contains or contain only personal information relating to the requester concerned, then, in calculating the amount of the fee under subsection (1)—
(a) paragraph (a) of subsection (2) shall be disregarded unless the grant concerned relates to a significant number of records, and
(b) paragraph (b) of that subsection shall be disregarded if, in the opinion of the head concerned, it would not be reasonable, having regard to the means of the requester and the nature of the record concerned, to include the cost specified in that paragraph in the calculation.
(5) A head may reduce the amount of or waive a fee or deposit under subsection (1) or (7) if, in his or her opinion, some or all of the information contained in the record concerned would be of particular assistance to the understanding of an issue of national importance.
(6) A fee shall not be charged under subsection (1) if, in the opinion of the head concerned, the cost of collecting and accounting for the fee together with any other administrative costs incurred by the public body concerned in relation to the fee would exceed the amount of the fee.
(7) Where, in the opinion of the head concerned, the estimated cost, as determined by the head, of the search for and retrieval of a record the subject of a request under section 7 is likely to exceed £40 or such other amount as may stand determined for the time being—
(a) a deposit of such amount as may be determined by the head (not being less than 20 per cent. of such cost) shall be charged by the public body concerned and paid by the requester concerned to the body,
(b) the process of search for and retrieval of the record shall not be commenced by the body until the deposit has been paid, and
(c) the head shall, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the request aforesaid, cause a request in writing for payment of the deposit to be given to the requester and the document shall include an estimate of the length of time that the process of searching for and retrieving the record will occupy and a statement that the process will not be begun until the deposit has been paid and that the date on which a decision will be made in relation to the request will be determined by reference to the date of such payment.
(8) In a case to which subsection (7) applies, the head concerned shall, if so requested by the requester concerned—
(a) specify to him or her the amendments (if any) to the request under section 7 concerned that, if made, would have the effect of reducing or eliminating the deposit payable under that subsection, and
(b) if amendments are specified under paragraph (a), make such of them (if any) to the request as the requester may determine.
(9) Where a deposit under subsection (7) is paid, the amount of the fee under subsection (1) payable in respect of the grant of the request under section 7 concerned shall be reduced by the amount of the deposit.
(10) Where a deposit under subsection (7) is paid and, subsequently, the grant of the request under section 7 concerned is refused or is granted in relation to a part only of the record concerned, the amount of the deposit or, if a fee under this section is payable in respect of the grant, so much (if any) of that amount as exceeds the amount of the fee shall be repaid to the requester concerned.
(11) Where a fee or deposit under this section is paid and, subsequently, the fee or deposit is annulled or varied under section 14, 34 or 42, the amount of the fee or deposit so annulled or, as the case may be, any amount thereof in excess of the amount thereof as so varied shall be repaid to the requester concerned.
(12) Section 8 (1) shall be construed and have effect—
(a) in relation to a case in which a deposit is payable under subsection (7), as if the reference to 4 weeks were a reference to a period consisting of 4 weeks together with the period from the giving of the request under subsection (7) concerned to the requester concerned to the date of the receipt of the deposit,
(b) in relation to a case in which such a deposit is annulled following a review under section 14 or 34 or an appeal under section 42, as if the reference to 4 weeks were a reference to a period consisting of 4 weeks together with the period from the giving of the request under subsection (7) concerned to the requester concerned to the date of the decision under section 42 or, as the case may be, of the giving to the requester concerned of notice under section 14 or 34 of the decision, and
(c) in relation to a case in which an amendment pursuant to subsection (8) has the effect of eliminating such a deposit, as if the reference to the receipt of a request under that section were a reference to the making of the amendment.
(13) The Public Offices Fees Act, 1879, shall not apply to fees under this section.
Amendment of Official Secrets Act, 1963.
48.—(1) A person who is, or reasonably believes that he or she is, authorised by this Act to communicate official information to another person shall be deemed for the purposes of section 4 of the Official Secrets Act, 1963, to be duly authorised to communicate that information.
(2) In a prosecution for an offence under section 5 or 9 of that Act, it shall be a defence to prove that the act to which the charge of the offence relates is authorised, or is reasonably believed by the person charged to be authorised, by this Act.
FIRST SCHEDULE
Public Bodies
1. Each of the following shall be a public body for the purposes of this Act:
(1) the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry,
the Department of Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht,
the Department of Defence,
the Department of Education,
the Department of Enterprise and Employment,
the Department of the Environment,
the Department of Equality and Law Reform,
the Department of Finance,
the Department of Foreign Affairs,
the Department of Health,
the Department of Justice (including the Probation and Welfare Service),
the Department of the Marine,
the Department of Social Welfare,
the Department of the Taoiseach,
the Department of Tourism and Trade,
the Department of Transport, Energy and Communications,
the Office of the Tánaiste,
the Office of the Attorney General.
(2) the Army Pensions Board,
the Blood Transfusion Service Board,
the Board of the National Library of Ireland,
the Board of the National Museum of Ireland,
An Bord Pleanála,
the Censorship of Publications Board,
the Central Statistics Office,
the Civil Service Commissioners,
An Coimisiún Logainmneacha,
An Comhairle na Nimheanna,
An Comhairle na nOspidéal,
the Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests,
the Companies Registration Office,
the Competition Authority,
the Commissioners of Public Works,
the Defence Forces,
the Employment Equality Agency,
the Environmental Information Service,
the Environmental Protection Agency,
the Government Information Services,
the Heritage Council,
the Ireland — United States Commission for Educational Exchange,
the Irish Manuscripts Commission,
the Irish Medicines Board,
the Irish Sports Council,
the Land Registry,
the Local Appointments Commissioners,
the National Archives,
the National Archives Advisory Council,
the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment,
the National Gallery of Ireland,
the Office of the Appeal Commissioners for the purposes of
the Tax Acts,
the Office of the Chief Medical Officer for the Civil Service,
the Office of the Commissioner,
the Office of the Commissioner of Valuation and Boundary Surveyor for Ireland,
the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General,
the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs,
the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions,
the Office of the Houses of the Oireachtas,
the Office of the Official Censor of Films,
the Office of the Ombudsman,
the Office of the Registrar of Friendly Societies,
the Patents Office,
the Pensions Board,
the Public Offices Commission,
the Registry of Deeds,
the Revenue Commissioners,
the Social Welfare Appeals Office,
the State Laboratory.
(3) a local authority.
(4) a health board.
(5) any body, organisation or group standing prescribed for the time being, with the consent of such other (if any) Minister of the Government as the Minister considers appropriate having regard to the functions of that other Minister of the Government, and being—
(a) the Garda Siochána,
(b) a body, organisation or group established—
(i) by or under any enactment (other than the Companies Acts, 1963 to 1990) or any scheme administered by a Minister of the Government,
or
(ii) under the Companies Acts, 1963 to 1990, in pursuance of powers conferred by or under another enactment, and financed wholly or partly, whether directly or indirectly, by means of moneys provided, or loans made or guaranteed, by a Minister of the Government or the issue of shares held by or on behalf of a Minister of the Government,
(c) any other body, organisation or group financed as aforesaid,
(d) a company (within the meaning of the Companies Act, 1963) a majority of the shares in which are held by or on behalf of a Minister of the Government,
(e) any other body, organisation or group appointed by the Government or a Minister of the Government,
(f) subject to paragraph 2, any other body, organisation or group on which functions in relation to the general public or a class of the general public stand conferred by any enactment, or
(g) a subsidiary of a body, organisation or group specified in any of the foregoing provisions of this subparagraph.
2. A body, organisation or group standing prescribed pursuant to regulations for the purposes of clause (f) of paragraph 1 (5) shall be a public body only as respects functions referred to in that clause.
3. The Minister may, with the consent of such other (if any) Minister of the Government as the Minister considers appropriate having regard to the functions of that other Minister of the Government, by regulations amend subparagraph (2) of paragraph 1 by the deletion of a reference to any public body.
4. A reference in subparagraph (1) of paragraph 1 to any particular Department of State shall be construed as—
(a) including a reference to a body, organisation or group specified in relation to that Department of State in the Schedule to the Ministers and Secretaries Act, 1924 (not being a public body specified in subparagraph (2) of that paragraph), and
(b) not including any other body, organisation or group.
SECOND SCHEDULE
The Information Commissioner
1. Subject to the provisions of this Schedule, a person appointed to be the Commissioner shall hold the office for a term of 6 years and may be re-appointed to the office for a second or subsequent term.
2. A person appointed to be the Commissioner—
(a) may at his or her own request be relieved of office by the President,
(b) may be removed from office by the President but shall not be removed from office except for stated misbehaviour, incapacity or bankruptcy and then only upon resolutions passed by Dáil Éireann and by Seanad Éireann calling for his or her removal,
(c) shall in any case vacate the office on attaining the age of 67 years.
3. (1) Where a person who holds the office of Commissioner is—
(a) nominated as a member of Seanad Éireann,
(b) elected as a member of either House of the Oireachtas or a local authority or to the European Parliament, or
(c) regarded, pursuant to section 15 (inserted by the European Parliament Elections Act, 1993) of the European Assembly Act, 1977, as having been elected to the European Parliament to fill a vacancy,
he or she shall thereupon cease to be the Commissioner.
(2) A person who is for the time being entitled under the standing orders of either House of the Oireachtas to sit therein or who is a member of the European Parliament or a local authority shall, while he or she is so entitled or is such a member, be disqualified for being appointed to be the Commissioner.
4. A person who holds the office of Commissioner shall not hold any other office or employment in respect of which emoluments are payable or be a member of the Reserve Defence Force.
5. The Commissioner shall be paid, out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas, such remuneration and allowances for expenses as the Minister may from time to time determine.
6. (1) The Minister may make and carry out, in accordance with its terms, a scheme or schemes for the granting of pensions, gratuities or allowances on retirement or death to, or in respect of, persons who have held the office of Commissioner.
(2) The Minister may at any time make and carry out, in accordance with its terms, a scheme or schemes amending or revoking a scheme under this paragraph.
(3) A scheme under this paragraph shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made and, if a resolution annulling the scheme is passed by either such House within the next 21 days on which that House has sat after the scheme is laid before it, the scheme shall be annulled accordingly but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done thereunder.
7. (1) The Minister may appoint to be members of the staff of the Commissioner such number of persons as the Minister may determine from time to time.
(2) Members of the staff of the Commissioner shall be civil servants in the Civil Service of the State (within the meaning of the Civil Service Regulation Act, 1956).
(3) The Minister may delegate to the Commissioner the powers exercisable by him or her under the Civil Service Commissioners Act, 1956, and the Civil Service Regulation Acts, 1956 and 1958, as the appropriate authority in relation to members of the staff of the Commissioner and, if the Minister does so, then, so long as the delegation remains in force—
(a) those powers shall, in lieu of being exercisable by the Minister, be exercisable by the Commissioner, and
(b) the Commissioner shall, in lieu of the Minister, be for the purposes of this Act the appropriate authority in relation to members of the staff of the Commissioner.
8. (1) The Commissioner shall keep, in such form as may be approved of by the Minister, all proper and usual accounts of all moneys received or expended by him or her and all such special accounts (if any) as the Minister may direct.
(2) Accounts kept in pursuance of this paragraph in respect of each year shall be submitted by the Commissioner in the following year on a date not later than a date specified by the Minister to the Comptroller and Auditor General for audit and, as soon as may be after the audit, a copy of those accounts, or of such extracts from those accounts as the Minister may specify, together with the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General on the accounts, shall be presented by the Commissioner to the Minister who shall cause copies of the documents presented to him or her to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas.
9. The Commissioner may delegate to a member of the staff of the Commissioner any of the functions of the Commissioner (other than those under this paragraph or section 40) and subsections (2) to (4) of section 4 shall, with any necessary modifications, have effect for the purposes of a delegation under this paragraph as they have effect for the purposes of a delegation under that section; and references in this Act to the Commissioner shall be construed, where appropriate having regard to any delegation under this paragraph, as including references to any person to whom functions stand delegated by the delegation.
THIRD SCHEDULE
Enactments Excluded from Application of Section 32.
PART I
Statutes
Number and Year | Short Title | Provision |
No. 26 of 1946 | Section 22. | |
No. 1 of 1963 | Sections 4, 5 and 9. | |
No. 14 of 1969 | Section 14. | |
No. 30 of 1976 | Section 20. | |
No. 16 of 1977 | Section 43(5). | |
No. 5 of 1979 | Section 15. | |
No. 36 of 1980 | Section 18. | |
No. 26 of 1983 | Section 37. | |
No. 28 of 1983 | Section 13. | |
No. 2 of 1984 | Section 16. | |
No. 9 of 1986 | Sections 42 and 43. | |
No. 14 of 1986 | Section 20. | |
No. 31 of 1986 | Transport (Re-organisation of Córas Iompair Éireann) Act, 1986. | Section 22. |
No. 10 of 1987 | Section 13. | |
No. 31 of 1987 | Section 36. | |
No. 18 of 1988 | Section 14. | |
No. 26 of 1988 | Section 33. | |
No. 7 of 1989 | Section 45. | |
No. 1 of 1990 | Section 23. | |
No. 18 of 1990 | Section 14. | |
No. 19 of 1990 | Section 25(6). | |
No. 25 of 1990 | Section 24. | |
No. 2 of 1991 | Section 15. | |
No. 9 of 1991 | Section 36(1)(d). | |
No. 22 of 1991 | Section 10. | |
No. 24 of 1991 | Paragraph 9 of Schedule. | |
No. 7 of 1992 | Section 39. | |
No. 14 of 1993 | Section 38. | |
No. 19 of 1993 | Paragraphs 4 and 5 of Second Schedule. | |
No. 27 of 1993 | Section 35. | |
No. 18 of 1994 | Section 17. | |
No. 25 of 1994 | Section 16(1). | |
No. 29 of 1995 | Section 23. | |
No. 4 of 1996 | Section 8. | |
No. 11 of 1996 | Section 33. | |
No. 21 of 1996 | Section 26. |
PART II
Statutory Instruments
Number and Year | Short Title | Provision |
No. 222 of 1983 | Housing (Rent Tribunal) Regulations, 1983. | Article 14(3). |
No. 175 of 1983 | Fire Services Council (Establishment) Order, 1983. | Article 13. |
Uimhir 13 de 1997
AN tACHT UM SHAORÁIL FAISNÉISE, 1997
[An tiontú oifigiúil]
RIAR NA nALT
Réamhráiteach agus Ginearálta
Alt | |
1. | |
2. | |
3. | |
4. | |
5. |
Rochtain ar Thaifid.
Taifid Dhíolmhaithe.
An Coimisinéir Faisnéise
Ilghnéitheach.
41. | |
42. | |
43. | Réamhchúraimí ag an Ard-Chúirt agus ag an gCoimisinéir in aghaidh faisnéis áirithe a nochtadh. |
44. | |
45. | |
46. | |
47. | |
48. |
Comhlachtaí Poiblí
An Coimisinéir Faisnéise
Achtacháin a Eisiatar ó Fheidhm Alt 32
Reachtanna
Ionstraimí Reachtúla
Na hAchtanna dá dTagraítear | |
An tAcht Talmhaíochta (Taighde, Oiliúint agus Comhairle), 1988 | |
An tAcht um an mBord Bia, 1996 | 1996, Uimh. 21 |
Children Act, 1908 | 1908, c. 67 |
Achtanna Rialaithe na Státseirbhíse, 1956 agus 1958 | |
Achtanna na gCuideachtaí, 1963 go 1990 | |
An tAcht Iomaíochta, 1991 | 1991, Uimh. 24 |
Na hAchtanna um an Ard-Reachtaire Cuntas agus Ciste, 1923 agus 1993 | |
An tAcht fán nGníomhaireacht um Chaomhnú Comhshaoil, 1992 | 1992, Uimh. 7 |
An tAcht um Thionól na hEorpa, 1977 | |
An tAcht um Thoghcháin do Pharlaimint na hEorpa, 1993 | 1993, Uimh. 30 |
Exchequer and Audit Department Acts, 1866 and 1921 | |
An tAcht Cuanta, 1996 | 1996, Uimh. 11 |
An tAcht um Údarás Eitlíochta na hÉireann, 1993 | 1993, Uimh. 27 |
An tAcht um Thionscal Rásaíochta Capall na hÉireann, 1994 | 1994, Uimh. 18 |
An tAcht um Bord Leigheasra na hÉireann, 1995 | 1995, Uimh. 29 |
An tAcht um Fhoras na Mara, 1991 | 1991, Uimh. 2 |
Acht an Bhainne (Soláthar a Rialáil), 1994 | 1994, Uimh. 25 |
An tAcht um Ghníomhaireacht Bainistíochta an Chisteáin Náisiúnta, 1990 | |
Public Offices Fees Act, 1879 | 1879, c. 58 |
Achtanna na bPríosún, 1826 go 1980 | |
An tAcht um Chosaint Raideolaíoch, 1991 | 1991, Uimh. 9 |
Acht na mBóithre, 1993 | 1993, Uimh. 14 |
An tAcht um Shábháilteacht, Sláinte agus Leas ag an Obair, 1989 | |
Na hAchtanna Leasa Shóisialaigh | |
An tAcht Leasa Shóisialaigh (Comhdhlúthú), 1993 | 1993, Uimh. 27 |
Na hAchtanna Cánach | |
An tAcht um Thrádáil agus Margaíocht a Spreagadh, 1991 | 1991, Uimh. 22 |
Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act, 1921 | 1921, c. 7 |
An tAcht Árachais Sláinte Shaorálaigh (Leasú), 1996 | 1996, Uimh. 4 |
Uimhir 13 de 1997
AN tACHT UM SHAORÁIL FAISNÉISE, 1997
[An tiontú oifigiúil]
ACHT DÁ CHUMASÚ DO DHAOINE DEN PHOBAL ROCHTAIN A BHEITH ACU, A MHÉID IS FÉIDIR É I gCOMHRÉIR LE LEAS AN PHOBAIL AGUS LEIS AN gCEART CHUN PRÍOBHÁIDEACHTA, CHUIG FAISNÉIS ATÁ I SEILBH COMHLACHTAÍ POIBLÍ AGUS DÁ CHUMASÚ DO DHAOINE A CHUR FAOI DEARA GO gCEARTÓFAR FAISNÉIS PHEARSANTA A BHAINEANN LEO AGUS ATÁ I SEILBH NA gCOMHLACHTAÍ SIN AGUS, DÁ RÉIR SIN, DO DHÉANAMH SOCRÚ MAIDIR LE CEART ROCHTANA CHUIG TAIFID ATÁ I SEILBH NA gCOMHLACHTAÍ SIN, MAIDIR LE hEISCEACHTAÍ RIACHTANACHA ÓN gCEART SIN AGUS MAIDIR LE CÚNAMH DO DHAOINE LENA CHUMASÚ DÓIBH É A FHEIDHMIÚ, DO DHÉANAMH SOCRÚ MAIDIR LE hATHBHREITHNIÚ NEAMHSPLEÁCH AR CHINNTÍ NA gCOMHLACHTAÍ SIN I nDÁIL LEIS AN gCEART SIN AGUS AR OIBRIÚ AN ACHTA SEO I gCOITINNE (LENA nÁIRÍTEAR IMEACHTAÍ NA gCOMHLACHTAÍ SIN DE BHUN AN ACHTA SEO) AGUS, CHUN NA gCRÍOCH SIN, DO DHÉANAMH SOCRÚ CHUN OIFIG CHOIMISINÉARA FAISNÉISE A BHUNÚ AGUS DO MHÍNIÚ A FEIDHMEANNA, DO DHÉANAMH SOCRÚ MAIDIR LEIS NA COMHLACHTAÍ SIN D'FHOILSIÚ FAISNÉISE ÁIRITHE INA dTAOBH IS IOMCHUÍ MAIDIR LE CRÍOCHA AN ACHTA SEO, DO LEASÚ AN ACHTA UM RÚIN OIFIGIÚLA, 1963, AGUS DO DHÉANAMH SOCRÚ I dTAOBH NITHE GAOLMHARA. [21 Aibreán, 1997]
ACHTAÍTEAR AG AN OIREACHTAS MAR A LEANAS:
CUID I
Réamhráiteach agus Ginearálta
Lua agus tosach feidhme.
1.—(1) Féadfar an tAcht um Shaoráil Faisnéise, 1997, a ghairm den Acht seo.
(2) Faoi réir fho-alt (3), tiocfaidh an tAcht seo i ngníomh an lá a bheidh bliain amháin tar éis dháta a rite.
(3) Tiocfaidh fomhír (3) de mhír 1 den Chéad Sceideal i ngníomh cibé lá nach déanaí ná 18 mí tar éis an tAcht seo a rith a cheapfaidh an tAire le hordú le toiliú an Aire Comhshaoil agus tiocfaidh fomhír (4) den mhír sin i ngníomh cibé lá nach déanaí ná 18 mí tar éis an tAcht seo a rith a cheapfaidh an tAire le hordú le toiliú an Aire Sláinte.
Léiriú.
2.—(1) San Acht seo, ach amháin mar a n-éilíonn an comhthéacs a mhalairt—
ciallaíonn “tosach feidhme an Achta seo” an tráth a dtiocfaidh an tAcht seo (seachas fomhíreanna (3) agus (4) de mhír 1 den Chéad Sceideal) i ngníomh;
ciallaíonn “an Coimisinéir”, de réir mar a éilíonn an comhthéacs, oifig an Choimisinéara Faisnéise a bhunaítear le halt 33 nó sealbhóir na hoifige sin;
ciallaíonn an briathar “cinneadh” cinneadh ag an Aire agus, i ndáil le foirm, ciallaíonn sé cinneadh tar éis féachaint go cuí do riachtanais iarrthóirí, agus forléireofar focail ghaolmhara dá réir sin;
ciallaíonn “stiúrthóir” stiúrthóir (de réir bhrí Achtanna na gCuideachtaí, 1963 go 1990) ach folaíonn sé, i gcás údaráis áitiúil nó boird sláinte nó aon chomhlachta phoiblí eile nach cuideachta (de réir bhrí Acht na gCuideachtaí, 1963) é nó, más comhlacht, eagraíocht nó grúpa (seachas cuideachta) é a shonraítear i bhfomhír (b)(i), (c), (e), (f) nó (g) d'fhomhír (5) de mhír 1 den Chéad Sceideal, atá forordaithe de thuras na huaire de bhun na fomhíre sin, duine ar comhalta de é nó í, nó ar comhalta é nó í d'aon bhord nó comhlacht eile a rialaíonn, a bhainistíonn nó a riarann é, agus forléireofar aon fhocail ghaolmhara dá réir sin;
ciallaíonn “achtachán” reacht nó ionstraim arna déanamh faoi chumhacht a thugtar le reacht;
ciallaíonn “taifead díolmhaithe”—
(a) taifead a ndiúltófaí, de bhun Chuid III nó de bhua alt 46, géilleadh d'iarraidh faoi alt 7 i ndáil leis, nó
(b) taifead a chruthaítear le haghaidh sealbhóra oifige nó atá i seilbh sealbhóra oifige agus a bhaineann—
(i) le feidhmeanna nó le gníomhaíochtaí an tsealbhóra oifige mar chomhalta den Oireachtas nó de pháirtí polaitíochta, nó
(ii) le feidhmeanna nó le gníomhaíochtaí páirtí polaitíochta;
folaíonn “feidhmeanna” cumhachtaí agus dualgais agus folaíonn tagairtí do chomhlíonadh feidhmeanna, maidir le cumhachtaí agus dualgais, tagairtí d'fheidhmiú na gcumhachtaí agus do chomhall na ndualgas;
folaíonn “a thabhairt” a chur, cibé acu leis an bpost nó trí mheán leictreonach nó eile, agus forléireofar focail ghaolmhara dá réir sin;
ciallaíonn “ceann” ceann comhlachta phoiblí;
ciallaíonn “ceann comhlachta phoiblí”—
(a) i ndáil le Roinn Stáit, an tAire den Rialtas atá i bhfeighil na Roinne sin,
(b) i ndáil le hOifig an Tánaiste, an Tánaiste,
(c) i ndáil le hOifig an Ard-Aighne, an tArd-Aighne,
(d) i ndáil le hOifig an Stiúrthóra Ionchúiseamh Poiblí, an Stiúrthóir Ionchúiseamh Poiblí,
(e) i ndáil le hOifig an Ard-Reachtaire Cuntas agus Ciste, an tArd-Reachtaire Cuntas agus Ciste,
(f) i ndáil le hOifig an Ombudsman, an tOmbudsman,
(g) i ndáil le hOifig an Choimisinéara, an Coimisinéir,
(h) i ndáil le hOifig Choimisinéirí na Státseirbhíse, Coimisinéirí na Státseirbhíse,
(i) i ndáil le hOifig na gCoimisinéirí um Cheapacháin Áitiúla, na Coimisinéirí um Cheapacháin Áitiúla,
(j) i ndáil le hOifig Thithe an Oireachtais, Cathaoirleach Dháil Éireann,
(k) i ndáil le haon chomhlacht poiblí eile, an duine atá i seilbh, nó a chomhlíonann feidhmeanna, oifig phríomhoifigeach feidhmiúcháin (cibé ainm a thugtar uirthi) an chomhlachta;
ciallaíonn “údarás áitiúil” údarás áitiúil chun críocha an Achta Rialtais Áitiúil, 1941;
ciallaíonn “an tAire” an tAire Airgeadais;
ciallaíonn “Oifig”, i ndáil le duine, na hoifigí ina seoltar an riarachán agus an gnó a bhaineann le feidhmeanna an duine;
ciallaíonn “sealbhóir oifige”—
(a) duine ar Aire den Rialtas nó ar Aire Stáit é nó í, nó
(b) comhalta de cheachtar Teach den Oireachtas atá i seilbh oifig an Ard-Aighne;
ciallaíonn “faisnéis phearsanta” faisnéis faoi dhuine aonair inaitheanta—
(a) nach mbeadh ar eolas, go hiondúil, ach amháin ag an duine aonair nó ag daoine de theaghlach an duine aonair nó ag cairde an duine aonair, nó
(b) atá i seilbh comhlachta phoiblí ar an mbonn tuisceana go ndéileálfadh sé léi i modh rúin,
agus, gan dochar do ghinearáltacht an méid sin roimhe seo, folaíonn sé—
(i) faisnéis maidir le stair oideachais, liachta, shíciatrach nó shíceolaíoch an duine aonair,
(ii) faisnéis maidir le gnóthaí airgeadais an duine aonair,
(iii) faisnéis maidir le fostaíocht nó stair fostaíochta an duine aonair,
(iv) faisnéis maidir leis an duine aonair i dtaifead a thagann faoi réim alt 6 (6) (a),
(v) faisnéis maidir le stair choiriúil an duine aonair,
(vi) faisnéis maidir le creideamh, aois, gnéaschlaonadh nó stádas pósta an duine aonair,
(vii) uimhir, litir, siombail, focal, marc nó rud eile a bheidh sannta ag comhlacht poiblí don duine aonair lena aithint nó lena haithint nó aon mharc nó rud eile a úsáidtear chun na críche sin,
(viii) faisnéis maidir le teidil an duine aonair faoi na hAchtanna Leasa Shóisialaigh mar thairbhí (de réir bhrí an Achta Leasa Shóisialaigh (Comhdhlúthú), 1993) nó a theastóidh chun a shuíomh an tairbhí den sórt sin an duine aonair, ós éilitheoir é nó í (de réir na brí a dúradh),
(ix) faisnéis a theastóidh chun dliteanas an duine aonair i leith cánach nó dleachta nó íocaíochta eile atá dlite don Stát nó d'údarás áitiúil, do bhord sláinte nó do chomhlacht poiblí eile, nó is iníoctha leo, a mheasúnú nó chun méid atá dlite den duine aonair i leith cánach nó dleachta nó íocaíochta eile den sórt sin a bhailiú,
(x) ainm an duine aonair i gcás go bhfuil sé ann mar aon le faisnéis phearsanta eile a bhaineann leis an duine aonair nó i gcás go suífeadh, nó gur dóigh go suífeadh, nochtadh an ainm gur leis an duine aonair a bhaineann aon fhaisnéis phearsanta atá i seilbh an chomhlachta phoiblí lena mbaineann,
(xi) faisnéis maidir le maoin de chuid an duine aonair (lena n-áirítear an cineál teidil atá ag an duine aonair chun aon mhaoine), agus
(xii) dearcadh nó tuairimí duine eile faoin duine aonair,
ach ní fholaíonn sé—
(I) i gcás go bhfuil nó go raibh an duine aonair i seilbh oifige mar stiúrthóir ar chomhlacht poiblí, nó go bhfuil nó go raibh post aige nó aici mar chomhalta d'fhoireann comhlachta phoiblí, ainm an duine aonair nó faisnéis maidir leis an oifig nó leis an bpost nó le feidhmeanna na hoifige nó an phoist nó leis na téarmaí ar orthu agus faoina réir atá nó a bhí an oifig sin i seilbh an duine aonair nó atá nó a bhí an post sin aige nó aici nó aon ní a scríobh nó a thaifead an duine aonair in aon fhoirm i gcúrsa chomhlíonadh na bhfeidhmeanna réamhráite agus chun na feidhmeanna sin a chomhlíonadh,
(II) i gcás go bhfuil nó go raibh seirbhís á soláthar ag an duine aonair do chomhlacht poiblí faoi chonradh le haghaidh seirbhísí leis an gcomhlacht, ainm an duine aonair nó faisnéis maidir leis an tseirbhís nó le téarmaí an chonartha nó aon ní a scríobh nó a thaifead an duine aonair in aon fhoirm i gcúrsa sholáthar na seirbhíse agus chun an tseirbhís a sholáthar, nó
(III) dearcadh nó tuairimí an duine aonair i ndáil le comhlacht poiblí, le foireann comhlachta phoiblí nó le gnó nó comhlíonadh feidhmeanna comhlachta phoiblí;
ciallaíonn “páirtí polaitíochta” páirtí atá cláraithe i gClár na bPáirtithe Polaitíochta;
ciallaíonn “forordaithe” forordaithe ag an Aire le rialacháin faoi alt 3;
déanfar “comhlacht poiblí” a fhorléiriú de réir an Chéad Sceidil;
folaíonn “taifead” aon mheabhrán, leabhar, plean, léarscáil, líníocht, léaráid, saothar pictiúrtha nó grafach nó doiciméad eile, aon ghrianghraf, scannán nó taifeadadh (cibé acu is taifeadadh fuaime nó taifeadadh íomhánna nó iad araon é), aon fhoirm ina gcoimeádtar sonraí (de réir bhrí an Achta um Chosaint Sonraí, 1988), aon fhoirm eile (lena n-áirítear foirm mheaisín-inléite) nó rud ina gcoimeádtar nó ina stóráiltear faisnéis de láimh, go meicniúil nó go leictreonach agus aon ní ar cuid nó cóip é, in aon fhoirm, d'aon cheann de na nithe sin roimhe seo nó ar teaglaim é de dhá cheann nó níos mó de na nithe sin roimhe seo;
ciallaíonn “iarraidh a bhfuil feidhm ag alt 29 maidir léi” iarraidh faoi alt 7 a bhfuil feidhm ag alt 26 (3), 27 (3) nó 28 (5) maidir léi agus a ngéillfí di, ar leith ó alt 29;
ciallaíonn “iarrthóir” duine a dhéanann iarraidh faoi alt 7;
déanfar “an ceart rochtana” a fhorléiriú de réir alt 6;
(2) Aon chumhacht a thugtar leis an Acht seo chun treoirlínte a tharraingt suas agus a fhoilsiú nó chun cinntí a dhéanamh forléireofar í mar chumhacht a fholaíonn cumhacht is infheidhmithe sa tslí chéanna chun treoirlínte nó cinntí a tarraingíodh suas agus a foilsíodh nó, de réir mar a bheidh, a rinneadh faoin gcumhacht, a chúlghairm nó a leasú.
(3) Ní fhorléireofar aon ní san Acht seo mar ní a thoirmisceann nó a chuireann srian ar chomhlacht poiblí rochtain a bheith aige ar thaifead atá i seilbh comhlachta phoiblí eile.
(4) Aon tagairt in alt 7, 8, 14, 17 nó 18 i ndáil le hiarraidh faoi alt 7 nó le fáil iarrata den sórt sin nó le hiarratas faoi alt 14 (2), 17 (1) nó 18 (1), do cheann comhlachta phoiblí, forléireofar í mar thagairt a fholaíonn tagairt don chomhlacht agus d'aon stiúrthóir air nó d'aon chomhalta dá fhoireann agus beidh feidhm ag an Acht seo agus beidh éifeacht leis, fara aon mhodhnuithe is gá, dá réir sin.
(5) San Acht seo—
(a) aon tagairt do thaifid atá i seilbh comhlachta phoiblí folaíonn sí tagairt do thaifid atá faoi rialú an chomhlachta,
(b) aon tagairt do Chuid, d'alt nó do Sceideal is tagairt í do Chuid nó d'alt den Acht seo, nó do Sceideal a ghabhann leis an Acht seo, mura gcuirtear in iúl gur tagairt d'fhoráil éigin eile atá beartaithe, agus
(c) aon tagairt d'fho-alt, do mhír, d'fhomhír, do chlásal nó d'fhochlásal is tagairt í d'fho-alt, do mhír, d'fhomhír, do chlásal nó d'fhochlásal den fhoráil ina bhfuil an tagairt, mura gcuirtear in iúl gur tagairt d'fhoráil éigin eile atá beartaithe, agus
(d) aon tagairt d'aon achtachán, is tagairt í don achtachán sin arna leasú, arna oiriúnú nó arna leathnú le haon achtachán dá éis sin nó faoi aon achtachán dá éis sin.
Rialacháin.
3.—(1) Féadfaidh an tAire—
(a) le rialacháin, foráil a dhéanamh, faoi réir fhorálacha an Achta seo, le haghaidh aon ní dá dtagraítear san Acht seo mar ní atá forordaithe nó le forordú, agus
(b) i dteannta aon chumhachta eile a thugtar dó nó di chun rialacháin a dhéanamh, rialacháin a dhéanamh i gcoitinne chun críocha an Achta seo agus chun lánéifeacht a thabhairt don Acht seo,
(c) más rud é, le linn na chéad 3 bliana d'fheidhm an Achta seo maidir le comhlacht poiblí a shonraítear i bhfomhír (3), (4) nó (5) de mhír 1 den Chéad Sceideal, go n-éireoidh aon deacracht i ndáil leis an Acht seo a thabhairt i ngníomh a mhéid atá feidhm aige maidir leis an gcomhlacht sin, aon ní a dhéanamh le rialacháin ar dealraitheach gur gá nó gur fóirsteanach é chun an tAcht seo a thabhairt i ngníomh a mhéid atá feidhm aige maidir leis an gcomhlacht sin agus féadfar, le rialacháin faoin mír seo, a mhéid amháin is dealraitheach gur gá é chun na rialacháin a thabhairt in éifeacht, foráil den Acht seo a mhodhnú má tá an modhnú i gcomhréir le críocha, prionsabail agus meon an Achta seo, agus
(d) más rud é, in aon slí eile, go n-éireoidh aon deacracht le linn na tréimhse 3 bliana ó thosach feidhme an Achta seo i ndáil leis an Acht seo a thabhairt i ngníomh, aon ní a dhéanamh le rialacháin ar dealraitheach gur gá nó gur fóirsteanach é chun an tAcht seo a thabhairt i ngníomh agus féadfar, le rialacháin faoin mír seo, a mhéid amháin is dealraitheach gur gá é chun na rialacháin a thabhairt in éifeacht, foráil den Acht seo a mhodhnú má tá an modhnú i gcomhréir le críocha, prionsabail agus meon an Achta seo.
(2) Féadfaidh cibé forálacha teagmhasacha, forlíontacha agus iarmhartacha a bheith i rialacháin faoin Acht seo is dóigh leis an Aire a bheith riachtanach nó fóirsteanach chun críocha na rialachán.
(3) I gcás go mbeartaíonn an tAire rialacháin a dhéanamh faoi mhír (c) nó (d) d'fho-alt (1) nó chun críocha mhír 1 (5), nó faoi mhír 3, den Chéad Sceideal, cuirfidh sé nó sí faoi deara dréacht de na rialacháin a leagan faoi bhráid gach Tí den Oireachtas agus ní dhéanfar na rialacháin go dtí go mbeidh rún ag ceadú an dréachta rite ag gach Teach acu sin.
(4) I gcás go mbeartaíonn an tAire rialacháin a dhéanamh faoi fho-alt (1) (c), rachaidh sé nó sí, sula ndéanfaidh sé nó sí amhlaidh, i gcomhairle le cibé Aire eile (más ann) den Rialtas is cuí leis an Aire ag féachaint d'fheidhmeanna an Aire eile sin den Rialtas i ndáil leis na rialacháin atá beartaithe.
(5) Féadfar, le rialacháin lena bhforordaítear comhlacht, eagraíocht nó grúpa (“an comhlacht”) chun críocha mhír 1 (5) den Chéad Sceideal, a fhoráil nach mbeidh feidhm ag an Acht seo maidir leis an gcomhlacht ach amháin i leith feidhmeanna sonraithe de chuid an chomhlachta, agus beidh feidhm ag an Acht seo agus beidh éifeacht leis de réir aon fhorála den sórt sin.
(6) Déanfar gach rialachán faoin Acht seo (seachas rialachán dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (3)) a leagan faoi bhráid gach Tí den Oireachtas a luaithe is féidir tar éis a dhéanta agus má dhéanann ceachtar Teach acu sin, laistigh den 21 lá a shuífidh an Teach sin tar éis an rialachán a leagan faoina bhráid, rún a rith ag neamhniú an rialacháin, beidh an rialachán ar neamhní dá réir sin, ach sin gan dochar do bhailíocht aon ní a rinneadh roimhe sin faoin rialachán.
Feidhmeanna áirithe de chuid ceann a tharmligean.
4.—(1) Féadfaidh ceann aon fheidhm d'fheidhmeanna an chinn faoin Acht seo (seachas an t-alt seo agus alt 25) a tharmligean i scríbhinn chuig comhalta d'fhoireann an chomhlachta phoiblí lena mbaineann.
(2) Maidir le tarmligean faoi fho-alt (1) (“tarmligean”), féadfaidh sé—
(a) baint a bheith aige le feidhmeanna i gcoitinne nó le feidhmeanna sonraithe nó tarmligean a dhéanamh i leith taifead i gcoitinne nó i leith aicmí sonraithe taifead nó taifead sonraithe, agus
(b) tarmligean a dhéanamh chuig comhalta sonraithe nó comhaltaí sonraithe d'fhoireann an chomhlachta phoiblí lena mbaineann nó chuig cibé comhaltaí ar de chéim nó de ghrád sonraithe, nó de chéim nó de ghrád nach ísle ná céim nó grád sonraithe, iad,
agus féadfaidh sé feidhmeanna éagsúla nó aicmí éagsúla feidhme a tharmligean chuig comhaltaí éagsúla nó chuig aicmí éagsúla comhaltaí den sórt sin.
(3) Féadfaidh an duine atá, de thuras na huaire, ina cheann nó ina ceann ar an gcomhlacht poiblí lena mbaineann tarmligean a chúlghairm go hiomlán nó go páirteach nó a leasú i scríbhinn.
(4) Oibreoidh tarmligean, fad a leanfaidh sé i bhfeidhm, chun an fheidhm nó na feidhmeanna a tharmligtear leis an tarmligean a thabhairt don duine lena mbaineann agus a dhílsiú dó nó di.
(5) Cuirfidh an ceann lena mbaineann faoi deara fógra maidir le tarmligean nó cúlghairm nó leasú faoi fho-alt (3) a fhoilsiú san Iris Oifigiúil tráth nach déanaí ná 4 sheachtain tar éis an tarmligean, an chúlghairm nó an leasú, de réir mar a bheidh, a dhéanamh.
(6) Déanfar tagairtí san Acht seo do cheann, más cuí ag féachaint don chomhthéacs agus d'aon tarmligean faoin alt seo, a fhorléiriú mar thagairtí a fholaíonn tagairtí d'aon duine a mbeidh feidhmeanna arna dtarmligean chuige nó chuici leis an tarmligean.
Caiteachais.
5.—Déanfar na caiteachais a thabhófar ag riaradh an Achta seo a íoc as airgead a sholáthróidh an tOireachtas agus déanfar na caiteachais a thabhóidh aon Aire eile den Rialtas ag riaradh an Achta seo a íoc, a mhéid a cheadóidh an tAire é, as airgead a sholáthróidh an tOireachtas.
CUID II
Rochtain ar Thaifid
Ceart rochtana ar thaifid.
6.—(1) Faoi réir fhorálacha an Achta seo, tá ceart rochtana ag gach duine ar aon taifead atá i seilbh comhlachta phoiblí agus, ar iarraidh a dhéanamh chuige sin, tairgfear an rochtain sin dó nó di agus gairtear an ceart rochtana san Acht seo den cheart a thugtar amhlaidh.
(2) Beidh sé de dhualgas ar chomhlacht poiblí cúnamh réasúnach a thabhairt do dhuine atá ag lorg taifid faoin Acht seo—
(a) i ndáil leis an iarraidh a dhéanamh faoi alt 7 ar rochtain ar an taifead, agus
(b) má tá an duine faoi mhíchumas, chun gur fusa don duine a chearta nó a cearta faoin Acht seo a fheidhmiú.
(3) Déanfaidh an tAire, tar éis dul i gcomhairle le cibé Airí eile (más ann) den Rialtas is cuí leis nó léi, treoirlínte i ndáil le comhlíonadh fho-alt (2)(b) ag comhlachtaí poiblí a tharraingt suas agus a fhoilsiú do chomhlachtaí poiblí, agus tabharfaidh comhlachtaí poiblí aird ar aon treoirlínte den sórt sin.
(4) Is iad na taifid dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1) taifid a chruthófar tar éis thosach feidhme an Achta seo agus—
(a) taifid a cruthaíodh le linn cibé tréimhse (más ann), nó tar éis cibé tráth (más ann), roimh thosach feidhme an Achta seo, agus
(b) taifid a cruthaíodh roimh an tosach feidhme sin agus a bhaineann le cibé nithe áirithe (más ann), agus
(c) taifid a cruthaíodh le linn cibé tréimhse (más ann) agus a bhaineann le cibé nithe áirithe (más ann),
a fhorordófar, tar éis dul i gcomhairle le cibé Airí den Rialtas is cuí leis an Aire.
(5) D'ainneoin fho-ailt (1) agus (4) ach faoi réir fho-alt (6), más rud é—
(a) gur gá nó gur fóirsteanach rochtain a bheith ar thaifid a cruthaíodh roimh thosach feidhme an Achta seo chun taifid a chruthófar tar éis an tosach feidhme sin a thuiscint, nó
(b) go mbaineann taifid a cruthaíodh roimh an tosach feidhme sin le faisnéis phearsanta maidir leis an duine a bheidh ag lorg rochtana orthu,
forléireofar fo-alt (1) mar fho-alt a thugann ceart rochtana i leith na dtaifead sin.
(6) Ní fhorléireofar fo-alt (5) mar fho-alt lena gcuirtear i bhfeidhm, i ndáil le duine aonair ar comhalta é nó í d'fhoireann comhlachta phoiblí, an ceart rochtana ar thaifead atá i seilbh comhlachta phoiblí agus—
(a) ar taifead pearsanra é, is é sin le rá, taifead a bhaineann go hiomlán nó go príomha le ceann amháin nó níos mó de na nithe seo a leanas, is é sin le rá, inniúlacht nó cumas an duine aonair ina cháil nó ina cáil mar chomhalta d'fhoireann comhlachta phoiblí nó fostaíocht nó stair fostaíochta an duine aonair sin nó meastóireacht ar chomhlíonadh a fheidhmeanna nó a feidhmeanna i gcoitinne nó feidhme áirithe den sórt sin mar chomhalta den sórt sin,
(b) a cruthaíodh níos mó ná 3 bliana roimh thosach feidhme an Achta seo, agus
(c) nach bhfuil á úsáid nó nach mbeartaítear a úsáid ar mhodh nó chun críche a dhéanann nó a dhéanfaidh dochar, nó a fhéadfaidh dochar a dhéanamh, do leasanna an duine.
(7) Ní dhéanfar aon ní san alt seo a fhorléiriú mar ní a chuireann an ceart rochtana i bhfeidhm ar thaifead díolmhaithe.
(8) Ní dhéanfar aon ní san Acht seo a fhorléiriú mar ní a thoirmisceann nó a chuireann srian ar chomhlacht poiblí taifead (lena n-áirítear taifead díolmhaithe) a fhoilsiú nó rochtain air a thabhairt ar dhóigh seachas faoin Acht seo i gcás nach dtoirmisctear le dlí an foilsiú sin a dhéanamh nó an rochtain sin a thabhairt.
(9) Aon taifead atá i seilbh duine atá nó a bhí ag soláthar seirbhíse do chomhlacht poiblí faoi chonradh le haghaidh seirbhísí, measfar, chun críocha an Achta seo, má bhaineann, agus a mhéid a bhaineann, an taifead leis an tseirbhís, é a bheith i seilbh an chomhlachta, agus measfar foráil a bheith sa chonradh go ndéanfaidh an duine, má iarrann an comhlacht air nó uirthi amhlaidh chun críocha an Achta seo, an taifead a thabhairt don chomhlacht lena choinneáil aige ar feadh cibé tréimhse is réasúnach sna himthosca ar leith.
(10) I gcás go ngéillfí, de bhua fho-alt (9), d'iarraidh faoi alt 7 murach go mbaineann sí le taifead a bhfuil ábhar eile ann mar aon leis an ábhar a bhaineann leis an tseirbhís lena mbaineann, déanfaidh ceann an chomhlachta phoiblí lena mbaineann, más indéanta déanamh amhlaidh, cóip a ullmhú, i cibé foirm is cuí leis nó léi, den mhéid sin den taifead nach é an t-ábhar eile réamhráite é agus géillfear don iarraidh trí rochtain ar an gcóip a thairiscint don iarrthóir.
Iarrataí ar rochtain ar thaifid.
7.—(1) Aon duine ar mian leis nó léi an ceart rochtana a fheidhmiú déanfaidh sé nó sí iarraidh, i scríbhinn nó i cibé foirm eile a chinnfear, agus í dírithe ar cheann an chomhlachta phoiblí lena mbaineann, ar rochtain ar an taifead lena mbaineann agus, san iarraidh sin—
(a) déarfar go bhfuil an iarraidh á déanamh faoin Acht seo,
(b) beidh dóthain sonraí i ndáil leis an bhfaisnéis lena mbaineann chun gur féidir an taifead a aithint trí bhearta réasúnacha a ghlacadh, agus
(c) má éilíonn an duine go dtabharfar an rochtain sin i bhfoirm áirithe nó ar mhodh áirithe (ar foirm í nó ar modh é dá dtagraítear in alt 12), sonrófar an fhoirm nó an modh rochtana.
(2) Cuirfidh an ceann faoi deara go ndéanfar fógra, i scríbhinn nó i cibé foirm eile a chinnfear, á rá go bhfuair sé nó sí iarraidh faoi fho-alt (1), a thabhairt don iarrthóir lena mbaineann a luaithe is féidir ach tráth nach déanaí ná 2 sheachtain tar éis dó nó di an iarraidh sin a fháil, agus áireofar san fhógra achoimre ar fhorálacha alt 41 agus sonraí faoi na cearta athbhreithnithe faoin Acht seo, faoin nós imeachta lena rialaítear feidhmiú na gceart sin, agus faoi na teorainneacha ama lena rialaítear an feidhmiú sin, i gcás lena mbaineann an t-alt sin.
(3) I gcás go bhfaighidh ceann comhlachta phoiblí (“an ceann”) iarraidh faoin alt seo agus nach bhfuil an taifead nó na taifid lena mbaineann i seilbh an chomhlachta (“an comhlacht céadluaite”) ach go bhfuil sé nó siad, go bhfios don cheann, i seilbh comhlachta phoiblí amháin eile nó níos mó, cuirfidh an ceann faoi deara, a luaithe is féidir, ach tráth nach déanaí ná 2 sheachtain tar éis an iarraidh a fháil, cóip den iarraidh a thabhairt do cheann an chomhlachta eile nó, de réir mar a bheidh, do cheann an chomhlachta amháin sin de na comhlachtaí eile—
(a) a bhfuil, i dtuairim an chinn, an bhaint is dlúithe ag a fheidhmeanna le hábhar an taifid nó na dtaifead, nó
(b) arb é is mó is cuí thairis sin, i dtuairim an chinn,
agus cuirfidh sé nó sí in iúl don iarrthóir lena mbaineann, le fógra i scríbhinn nó i cibé foirm eile a chinnfear, go ndearna sé nó sí amhlaidh agus air sin—
(i) measfar, chun críocha an Achta seo, go bhfuil an iarraidh faoin alt seo faighte ag an gceann dá dtugtar an chóip a dúradh agus go bhfuair sé nó sí í an tráth a bhfuair sé nó sí an chóip, agus
(ii) measfar, chun críocha an Achta seo, nach bhfuil an iarraidh faighte ag an gceann.
(4) I gcás go bhfaighidh ceann comhlachta phoiblí (“an comhlacht céadluaite”) iarraidh faoin alt seo a bhaineann le níos mó ná taifead amháin agus go mbeidh ceann amháin nó níos mó de na taifid lena mbaineann (ach nach mbeidh siad go léir) i seilbh an chomhlachta, déanfaidh an ceann, le fógra i scríbhinn nó i cibé foirm eile a chinnfear, ainmneacha aon chomhlachta phoiblí eile a bhfuil, go bhfios dó nó di, aon cheann de na taifid ina sheilbh, a chur in iúl don iarrthóir lena mbaineann.
(5) Déanfaidh an tAire, tar éis dul i gcomhairle leis an gCoimisinéir, treoirlínte chun críocha fho-alt (3) agus (4) a tharraingt suas agus a fhoilsiú do chinn agus tabharfaidh cinn aird ar aon treoirlínte den sórt sin.
(6) Measfar an fios dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (3) agus (4) a bheith ag duine más rud é go bhféadfadh sé nó sí an fios sin a fháil trí bhearta réasúnacha a ghlacadh.
(7) Más rud é—
(a) go ndéanfaidh duine iarraidh ar fhaisnéis, nó iarraidh le haghaidh rochtana ar thaifead, chuig comhlacht poiblí nó chuig ceann comhlachta phoiblí nó stiúrthóir air nó chuig comhalta dá fhoireann, seachas faoi réim agus de réir an Achta seo, agus
(b) nach féidir nó go bhféadfadh sé nach féidir an fhaisnéis a thabhairt, nó an taifead a chur ar fáil, seachas de bhun iarrata i ndáil léi nó leis faoi réim agus de réir alt 7, cuirfidh an ceann faoi deara an ceart rochtana a chur in iúl don duine, más cuí, agus cabhróidh sé nó sí leis an duine, nó tairgfidh sé nó sí cabhair don duine, le linn iarraidh den sórt sin a ullmhú.
Breitheanna maidir le hiarrataí faoi alt 7 agus fógra a thabhairt maidir le breitheanna.
8.—(1) Faoi réir fhorálacha an Achta seo, déanfaidh ceann, a luaithe is féidir, ach tráth nach déanaí ná 4 sheachtain, tar éis iarraidh faoi alt 7 a fháil—
(a) breith a thabhairt i dtaobh cibé acu a ghéillfear don iarraidh nó a dhiúltófar géilleadh di nó a ghéillfear go páirteach di,
(b) má thugann sé nó sí breith géilleadh, go hiomlán nó go páirteach, don iarraidh, an fhoirm ina bhfeidhmeofar agus an modh ar a bhfeidhmeofar an ceart rochtana a chinneadh, agus
(c) a chur faoi deara go ndéanfar fógra, i scríbhinn nó i cibé foirm eile a chinnfear, maidir leis an mbreith agus leis an gcinneadh a thabhairt don iarrthóir lena mbaineann.
(2) Sonrófar na nithe seo a leanas i bhfógra faoi fho-alt (1)—
(a) an bhreith faoin bhfo-alt sin lena mbaineann agus an lá ar tugadh í,
(b) ainm agus ainmníocht an duine sa chomhlacht poiblí lena mbaineann atá ag déileáil leis an iarraidh, mura gcreideann an ceann lena mbaineann, le réasún, go bhféadfaí dochar a dhéanamh do shábháilteacht nó do dhea-bhail an duine lena mbaineann dá nochtfaí iad,
(c) má ghéilltear don iarraidh réamhráite, go hiomlán nó go páirteach—
(i) an lá a ndéanfar, an fhoirm ina ndéanfar agus an modh ar a ndéanfar, rochtain ar an taifead lena mbaineann a thairiscint don iarrthóir lena mbaineann agus an tréimhse a gcoimeádfar an taifead ar fáil lena linn chun críche na rochtana sin, agus
(ii) méid aon táille faoi alt 47 is iníoctha ag an iarrthóir i leith géilleadh don iarraidh,
(d) má dhiúltaítear don iarraidh réamhráite, go hiomlán nó go páirteach—
(i) na cúiseanna atá leis an diúltú, agus
(ii) mura diúltú de bhun alt 19 (5), 22 (2), 23 (2) nó 24 (3) an diúltú, aon fhoráil den Acht seo ar dá bhun a dhiúltaítear don iarraidh agus na fionnachtana maidir le haon saincheisteanna ábhartha is iomchuí maidir leis an mbreith agus sonraí faoi aon ní a bhaineann le leas an phobail agus a cuireadh san áireamh chun críocha na breithe,
(e) má dhéantar tabhairt rochtana ar an taifead a iarchur faoi alt 11, na cúiseanna atá leis an iarchur agus tréimhse an iarchuir, agus
(f) sonraí faoi chearta athbhreithnithe agus achomhairc faoin Acht seo i ndáil leis an mbreith faoi fho-alt (1) agus le haon bhreith eile dá dtagraítear san fhógra, faoin nós imeachta lena rialaítear feidhmiú na gceart sin agus faoi na teorainneacha ama lena rialaítear an feidhmiú sin.
(3) Faoi réir fhorálacha an Achta seo, i gcás go ngéillfear d'iarraidh faoi fho-alt (1)—
(a) más rud é—
(i) nach ngearrtar táille faoi alt 47 i leith an ní,
(ii) gur íocadh éarlais faoin alt sin agus go ngearrtar táille faoin alt sin agus go bhfuil méid na héarlaise comhionann le méid na táille nó níos mó ná an méid sin, nó
(iii) gur íocadh éarlais den sórt sin ach nach ngearrtar táille den sórt sin,
déanfar rochtain ar an taifead lena mbaineann a thairiscint láithreach don iarrthóir lena mbaineann agus déanfar an taifead a choimeád ar fáil chun críche na rochtana sin ar feadh tréimhse 4 sheachtain dá éis sin, agus
(b) má ghearrtar táille amhlaidh, déanfar rochtain ar an taifead lena mbaineann a thairiscint don iarrthóir lena mbaineann a luaithe is féidir, ach tráth nach déanaí ná seachtain i ndiaidh an lae a bhfaighidh an comhlacht poiblí lena mbaineann an táille, agus déanfar an taifead a choimeád ar fáil chun críche na rochtana sin—
(i) go dtí deireadh na tréimhse 4 sheachtain ón táille a fháil, nó
(ii) go dtí deireadh na tréimhse 8 seachtain ón tráth a bhfaighidh an t-iarrthóir lena mbaineann an fógra faoi fho-alt (1) lena mbaineann,
cibé acu is luaithe.
(4) Le linn breith a thabhairt i dtaobh cibé acu a ghéillfear d'iarraidh faoi alt 7 nó a dhiúltófar géilleadh di, tabharfar neamhaird—
(a) ar aon chúis a thugann an t-iarrthóir leis an iarraidh, agus
(b) ar aon bharúil nó tuairim a bheidh ag an gceann i dtaobh cad iad na cúiseanna atá ag an iarrthóir leis an iarraidh.
(5) Ní fhorléireofar an t-alt seo mar alt a cheanglaíonn ábhar a chur i bhfógra faoi fho-alt (1) ar ábhar é a d'fhágfadh, dá gcuirfí i dtaifead é, gur taifead díolmhaithe a bheadh sa taifead.
(6) Folaíonn tagairtí san alt seo do ghéilleadh d'iarraidh faoi alt 7 tagairtí do ghéilleadh den sórt sin de bhun alt 13.
An tréimhse ama a fhadú chun iarrataí faoi alt 7 a bhreithniú.
9.—(1) Féadfaidh an ceann, maidir le hiarraidh faoi alt 7 a gheobhaidh sé nó sí (“an iarraidh shonraithe”), an tréimhse a shonraítear in alt 8 (1) chun an iarraidh a bhreithniú a fhadú de cibé tréimhse a mheasfaidh sé nó sí is gá ach nach faide ná tréimhse 4 sheachtain más rud é, i dtuairim an chinn—
(a) go mbaineann an iarraidh leis an oiread sin taifead, nó
(b) go raibh an oiread sin iarrataí eile faoi alt 7 a bhaineann leis an taifead nó leis na taifid lena mbaineann an iarraidh shonraithe, nó le faisnéis a fhreagraíonn don fhaisnéis lena mbaineann an iarraidh shonraithe, nó leo araon, déanta chuig an gcomhlacht poiblí lena mbaineann sula ndearnadh an iarraidh shonraithe chuige agus nach bhfuil breith faoi alt 8 tugtha i ndáil leo,
nach féidir le réasún an fo-alt sin a chomhlíonadh laistigh den tréimhse a shonraítear ann.
(2) I gcás go bhfadófar tréimhse faoin alt seo, cuirfidh an ceann lena mbaineann faoi deara fógra i scríbhinn nó i cibé foirm eile a chinnfear, maidir leis an bhfadú agus le tréimhse an fhadaithe agus leis na cúiseanna atá leis an bhfadú, a thabhairt don iarrthóir lena mbaineann roimh dheireadh na tréimhse.
(3) Déanfar an tagairt in alt 8 (1) do 4 sheachtain a fhorléiriú de réir aon fhadaithe faoin alt seo ar an tréimhse sin.
Diúltú ar fhorais riaracháin géilleadh d'iarrataí faoi alt 7.
10.—(1) Féadfaidh ceann a ndéanfar iarraidh faoi alt 7 chuige nó chuici diúltú géilleadh don iarraidh más rud é—
(a) nach ann don taifead lena mbaineann nó nach féidir é a aimsiú tar éis gach beart réasúnach a ghlacadh chun a fháil amach cá bhfuil sé,
(b) nach gcomhlíonann an iarraidh alt 7 (1) (b),
(c) gurb é tuairim an chinn gur ghá, dá ngéillfí don iarraidh, mar gheall ar líon nó ar chineál na dtaifead lena mbaineann nó ar chineál na faisnéise lena mbaineann, líon taifead chomh mór sin a aisghabháil agus a scrúdú, nó scrúdú a dhéanamh ar na taifid lena mbaineann ar scrúdú de shórt é, go gcuirfí bac nó go gcuirfí isteach, go substaintiúil agus go míréasúnach, ar obair eile an chomhlachta phoiblí lena mbaineann,
(d) go gceanglaítear le dlí an taifead a fhoilsiú agus go mbeartaítear é sin a dhéanamh tráth nach déanaí ná 12 sheachtain tar éis don cheann an iarraidh a fháil,
(e) go bhfuil an iarraidh suaibhreosach nó cráiteach, i dtuairim an chinn, nó
(f) nár íocadh táille nó éarlais is iníoctha faoi alt 47.
(2) Ní dhiúltóidh ceann, de bhun mhír (b) nó (c) d'fho-alt (1), géilleadh d'iarraidh faoi alt 7 murar thug sé nó sí cúnamh, nó murar thairg sé nó sí cúnamh a thabhairt, don iarrthóir lena mbaineann d'fhonn féachaint leis an iarraidh a leasú sa chaoi is nach dtiocfadh sí faoi réim na míre sin a thuilleadh.
Rochtain ar thaifid a iarchur.
11.—(1) I gcás go ndéanfar iarraidh faoi alt 7, agus—
(a) gur mar fhaisnéis agus mar fhaisnéis amháin do cheachtar Teach den Oireachtas nó dóibh araon nó do choiste de cheachtar Teach acu sin nó díobh araon a ullmhaíodh an taifead lena mbaineann agus go mbeartaítear cóipeanna den taifead a leagan faoi bhráid ceachtar Teach acu sin nó iad araon nó a thabhairt do choiste den sórt sin nó a fhoilsiú ar shlí eile do chomhaltaí de cheachtar Teach acu sin nó díobh araon nó do choiste den sórt sin ar lá a bheidh laistigh de thréimhse réasúnach tar éis don cheann lena mbaineann an iarraidh a fháil (“an lá sonraithe”), nó
(b) go dtagann faisnéis atá sa taifead lena mbaineann faoi réim mhír (b), (d) nó (e) d'alt 20 (2) agus go mbeadh sé contrártha do leas an phobail, i dtuairim an chinn lena mbaineann, rochtain ar an taifead a thabhairt ar lá áirithe nó roimh lá áirithe (“an lá sonraithe”), nó
(c) go bhfuil an taifead lena mbaineann i seilbh comhlachta phoiblí, ar Roinn Stáit é nó arb é Oifig an Tánaiste é, agus go measfaidh an tAire den Rialtas a bhfuil feidhmeanna i ndáil leis an gcomhlacht poiblí dílsithe dó nó di gur díol suime chomh mór sin don phobal i gcoitinne an taifead nó cuid de nó aon ní lena mbaineann sé go mbeartaíonn sé nó sí a bhfuil sa taifead nó sa chuid nó an ní a chur in iúl do cheachtar Teach den Oireachtas nó dóibh araon, nó a bhfuil sa taifead nó sa chuid nó faisnéis a bhaineann leis an ní a fhoilsiú ar shlí eile ar lá nach déanaí ná seachtain amháin tar éis an trátha chuí a shonraítear in alt 8 (3) (“an lá sonraithe”),
féadfaidh an ceann lena mbaineann an tairiscint don iarrthóir lena mbaineann maidir le rochtain ar an taifead a iarchur go dtí an lá díreach i ndiaidh an lae shonraithe.
(2) Forléireofar alt 8 (3) agus beidh éifeacht leis i ndáil le cás ina ndéanfar tairiscint maidir le rochtain ar thaifead a iarchur faoin alt seo—
(a) amhail is dá gceanglófaí le mír (a) den fho-alt sin rochtain ar an taifead a thairiscint don iarrthóir lena mbaineann láithreach ag deireadh thréimhse an iarchuir agus an taifead a choimeád ar fáil chun críche na rochtana sin ar feadh tréimhse 4 sheachtain ina dhiaidh sin, agus
(b) amhail is dá gceanglófaí le mír (b) den fho-alt sin rochtain ar an taifead a thairiscint don iarrthóir a luaithe is féidir, ach tráth nach déanaí ná seachtain amháin—
(i) tar éis dheireadh thréimhse an iarchuir, nó
(ii) tar éis an lae a bhfaighidh an comhlacht poiblí lena mbaineann an táille faoi alt 47 lena mbaineann,
cibé acu is déanaí agus an taifead a choimeád ar fáil chun críche na rochtana sin—
(I) go dtí deireadh na tréimhse 4 sheachtain ón táille sin a fháil, nó
(II) go dtí deireadh na tréimhse 4 sheachtain ó dheireadh thréimhse an iarchuir,
cibé acu is déanaí.
Modh rochtana ar thaifid.
12.—(1) Féadfaidh ceann rochtain faoin Acht seo a thabhairt ar thaifead trí na nithe seo a leanas a sholáthar don iarrthóir—
(a) cóip den taifead,
(b) athscríbhinn den fhaisnéis lena mbaineann,
(c) diosca ríomhaire nó feiste leictreonach eile ina bhfuil an fhaisnéis,
(d) deis réasúnach chun an taifead a iniúchadh,
(e) i gcás gur taifead fuaime nó amharc-íomhánna an taifead, deis réasúnach chun an taifead a chloisteáil nó a bhreathnú,
(f) i gcás go mbeidh an fhaisnéis luathscríofa nó i gcód eile, an fhaisnéis i bhfoirm dhíchódaithe agus i bhfoirm scríofa nó i cibé foirm eile a chinnfear,
(g) an fhaisnéis i cibé foirm nó ar cibé modh eile a chinnfear, nó
(h) an fhaisnéis i dteaglaim d'aon dá cheann nó níos mó de na slite sin roimhe seo.
(2) I gcás go dtabharfaidh ceann breith géilleadh d'iarraidh faoi alt 7 agus gur iarraidh le haghaidh rochtana ar thaifead i bhfoirm nó ar mhodh áirithe í an iarraidh, is san fhoirm sin nó ar an modh sin a thabharfar an rochtain sin mura deimhin leis an gceann lena mbaineann—
(a) go mbeadh an rochtain sin i bhfoirm nó ar mhodh eile a shonraítear i bhfo-alt (1) nó a chinnfear faoi i bhfad níos éifeachtúla, nó
(b) dá dtabharfaí rochtain san fhoirm nó ar an modh a iarradh—
(i) go ndéanfaí dochar fisiceach don taifead,
(ii) go mbeadh sárú ar chóipcheart (seachas cóipcheart ar leis an Stát, leis an Rialtas nó leis an gcomhlacht poiblí lena mbaineann é) i gceist,
(iii) go mbeadh sé ar neamhréir le dualgas dlíthiúil nó le hoibleagáid dhlíthiúil comhlachta phoiblí, nó
(iv) go ndéanfaí dochar, díobháil nó damáiste d'aon leas a chosnaítear le Cuid III nó le halt 46.
(3) I gcás go dtabharfaidh ceann breith géilleadh d'iarraidh faoi alt 7 ach gan rochtain a thabhairt ar an taifead lena mbaineann san fhoirm nó ar an modh a shonraítear san iarraidh, tabharfaidh sé nó sí an rochtain sin—
(a) más cás lena mbaineann mír (a) d'fho-alt (2) an cás, san fhoirm chuí nó ar an modh cuí ag féachaint don mhír sin, agus
(b) más cás lena mbaineann mír (b) den fho-alt sin an cás, i cibé foirm eile nó ar cibé modh eile a shonraítear i bhfo-alt (1) nó a chinnfear faoi agus ar a gcomhaontóidh an ceann agus an t-iarrthóir nó, mura féidir leis na daoine sin comhaontú ar fhoirm den sórt sin, i cibé foirm a shonraítear i bhfo-alt (1) agus is cuí leis an gceann.
Rochtain ar chodanna de thaifid.
13.—(1) I gcás go ngéillfí d'iarraidh faoi alt 7 murach go mbaineann sí le taifead ar taifead díolmhaithe é mar gheall ar ábhar áirithe a bheith ann, mar aon le hábhar eile, déanfaidh ceann an chomhlachta phoiblí lena mbaineann, más indéanta déanamh amhlaidh, cóip a ullmhú, i cibé foirm is cuí leis nó léi, den mhéid sin den taifead nach é an t-ábhar áirithe réamhráite é agus géillfear don iarraidh trí rochtain ar an gcóip a thairiscint don iarrthóir.
(2) Ní bheidh feidhm ag fo-alt (1) i ndáil le taifead más rud é go mbeadh an chóip, dá ndéanfaí socrú dá chionn sin, míthreorach.
(3) I gcás go ndéanfar rochtain ar chóip de chuid de thaifead a thairiscint d'iarrthóir faoin alt seo, ansin (mura taifead é a bhfuil feidhm ag alt 19 (5), 22 (2), 23 (2) nó 24 (3) maidir leis), sonrófar san fhógra faoi alt 8 (1) lena mbaineann gur de bhun an ailt seo atá an rochtain sin á tairiscint agus nach n-airbheartaíonn an chóip gur cóip í den taifead iomlán lena mbaineann an iarraidh faoi alt 7 agus sonrófar ann freisin cineál an ábhair atá sa taifead agus ar dá bhua atá feidhm ag fo-alt (1) maidir leis an taifead.
Cinn d'athbhreithniú breitheanna.
14.—(1) Tá feidhm ag an alt seo maidir le breith arna tabhairt de bhun an Achta seo ag duine a raibh an fheidhm lena mbaineann tarmligthe chuige nó chuici tráth na breithe a thabhairt, ar breith díobh seo a leanas í—
(a) breith diúltú, go hiomlán nó go páirteach, géilleadh d'iarraidh faoi alt 7 (seachas iarraidh a bhfuil feidhm ag alt 29 maidir léi) (“iarraidh”) i ndáil leis an taifead lena mbaineann,
(b) breith faoi alt 11 tairiscint maidir le rochtain ar thaifead a thagann faoi réim mhír (a) d'fho-alt (1) den alt sin a iarchur,
(c) breith faoi alt 12 géilleadh d'iarraidh trí rochtain ar an taifead lena mbaineann a thabhairt i bhfoirm seachas an fhoirm a shonraítear san iarraidh,
(d) breith faoi alt 13 géilleadh d'iarraidh faoi alt 7 trí rochtain a thairiscint don iarrthóir lena mbaineann ar chóip de chuid den taifead lena mbaineann, agus de chuid de amháin,
(e) breith faoi alt 17 diúltú taifead a leasú,
(f) breith faoi alt 18 i ndáil lena bhfuil i ráiteas arna thabhairt faoi fho-alt (1) den alt sin nó breith diúltú d'iarratas faoin bhfo-alt sin, nó
(g) breith táille nó éarlais, nó táille nó éarlais de mhéid áirithe, a ghearradh faoi alt 47.
(2) Faoi réir fhorálacha an ailt seo, féadfaidh ceann an chomhlachta phoiblí lena mbaineann, ar iarratas chuige sin a bheith déanta chuige nó chuici, i scríbhinn nó i cibé foirm eile a chinnfear, ag duine iomchuí—
(a) athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar bhreith lena mbaineann an t-alt seo, agus
(b) tar éis an athbhreithnithe, de réir mar is cuí leis nó léi—
(i) an bhreith a dhaingniú nó a athrú, nó
(ii) an bhreith a neamhniú agus, más cuí, cibé breith a thabhairt i ndáil leis an ní is dóigh leis nó léi is cóir,
de réir an Achta seo.
(3) Aon duine a bhfuil feidhm faoin alt seo tarmligthe chuige nó chuici faoi alt 4 ní chomhlíonfaidh sé nó sí an fheidhm sin i ndáil le breith lena mbaineann an t-alt seo ar breith í a thug comhalta d'fhoireann an chomhlachta phoiblí lena mbaineann arbh ionann céim dó nó di agus céim an duine réamhráite nó arbh airde céim dó nó di ná céim an duine réamhráite.
(4) Tabharfar breith faoi fho-alt (2), agus cuirfidh an ceann lena mbaineann faoi deara fógra maidir leis an mbreith, i scríbhinn nó i cibé foirm eile a chinnfear, a thabhairt don duine iomchuí agus d'aon duine eile a measann sé nó sí gur chóir fógra maidir leis an mbreith a thabhairt dó nó di, tráth nach déanaí ná 3 sheachtain tar éis don cheann an t-iarratas ar an athbhreithniú faoin bhfo-alt sin lena mbaineann a fháil.
(5) Sonrófar i bhfógra faoi fho-alt (4)—
(a) an lá a ndearnadh an bhreith lena mbaineann faoin bhfo-alt sin,
(b) más breith í géilleadh, go hiomlán nó go páirteach, don iarraidh faoi alt 7 lena mbaineann, an fhaisnéis dá dtagraítear in alt 8 (2) (c),
(c) más breith í diúltú géilleadh, go hiomlán nó go páirteach, don iarraidh réamhráite, an fhaisnéis a shonraítear i bhfomhír (i) de mhír (d) d'alt 8 (2) agus, mura diúltú de bhun alt 10 (1) (c), 19 (5), 22 (2), 23 (2), nó 24 (3) an diúltú, an fhaisnéis a shonraítear i bhfomhír (ii) den mhír sin,
(d) más breith í tabhairt rochtana ar an taifead lena mbaineann a iarchur, na cúiseanna atá leis an iarchur agus tréimhse an iarchuir,
(e) más breith dá dtagraítear i mír (c), (d), (e), (f) nó (g) d'fho-alt (1) an bhreith, na cúiseanna leis an mbreith, agus
(f) sonraí faoi na cearta athbhreithnithe agus achomhairc faoin Acht seo i ndáil leis an mbreith, faoin nós imeachta lena rialaítear feidhmiú na gceart sin agus faoi na teorainneacha ama lena rialaítear an feidhmiú sin.
(6) Ní fhorléireofar an t-alt seo mar alt a cheanglaíonn ábhar a chur i bhfógra faoi fho-alt (4) ar ábhar é a d'fhágfadh, dá gcuirfí i dtaifead é, gur taifead díolmhaithe a bheadh sa taifead.
(7) Déanfar iarratas faoi fho-alt (2) tráth nach déanaí ná 4 sheachtain tar éis fógra maidir leis an mbreith lena mbaineann a thabhairt faoin Acht seo don duine iomchuí lena mbaineann nó, i gcás go mbeidh an ceann lena mbaineann den tuairim go bhfuil forais réasúnacha ann chun an tréimhse sin a fhadú, deireadh cibé tréimhse is faide ná sin a chinnfidh sé nó sí.
(8) Féadfaidh an duine iomchuí lena mbaineann, tráth ar bith roimh bhreith a thabhairt faoi fho-alt (2) tar éis an athbhreithnithe lena mbaineann, an t-iarratas lena mbaineann faoin bhfo-alt sin a tharraingt siar le fógra, i scríbhinn nó i cibé foirm eile a chinnfear, arna thabhairt don cheann lena mbaineann.
(9) Beidh feidhm ag fo-alt (3) d'alt 8 i ndáil le cás inarb é atá i mbreith faoi fho-alt (2) breith géilleadh d'iarraidh faoi alt 7 nó iarchur faoi alt 11 a neamhniú nó a athrú fairis an modhnú go ndéanfar an tagairt san fho-alt (3) sin do ghéilleadh d'iarraidh faoi fho-alt (1) d'alt 8 a fhorléiriú mar thagairt don bhreith faoi fho-alt (2) a thabhairt.
(10) Faoi réir fhorálacha an Achta seo, maidir le breith faoi fho-alt (2)—
(a) a mhéid a bheidh sí ar neamhréir leis an mbreith áirithe lena mbaineann an t-alt seo, beidh éifeacht léi in ionad an chéanna, agus
(b) beidh sí ina ceangal ar na páirtithe lena mbaineann.
(11) San alt seo ciallaíonn “duine iomchuí”, i ndáil le breith lena mbaineann an t-alt seo—
(a) an t-iarrthóir lena mbaineann, nó
(b) más breith faoi alt 17 nó 18 an bhreith, an duine a rinne an t-iarratas lena mbaineann.
Faisnéis i dtaobh comhlachtaí poiblí a fhoilsiú.
15.—(1) Cuirfidh comhlacht poiblí faoi deara leabhar tagartha ina mbeidh na nithe seo a leanas a ullmhú agus a fhoilsiú agus a chur ar fáil de réir fho-alt (7)—
(a) tuairisc ghinearálta ar a struchtúr agus ar a eagraíocht, ar a fheidhmeanna, a chumhachtaí agus a dhualgais, ar aon seirbhísí a sholáthraíonn sé don phobal agus ar na nósanna imeachta trínar féidir leis an bpobal leas a bhaint as aon seirbhísí den sórt sin,
(b) tuairisc ghinearálta ar na haicmí taifead atá ina sheilbh, agus tabharfar cibé sonraí ann is gá le réasún chun feidhmiú an chirt rochtana a éascú,
(c) tuairisc ghinearálta ar na nithe dá dtagraítear i míreanna (a) agus (b) d'alt 16 (1),
(d) na socruithe a bheidh déanta ag an gcomhlacht—
(i) chun gur féidir le duine rochtain a fháil ar thaifid atá i seilbh an chomhlachta,
(ii) chun gur féidir le duine aonair iarratas a dhéanamh go leasófaí aon taifid den sórt sin a bhaineann le faisnéis phearsanta maidir leis an duine aonair, agus
(iii) chun gur féidir le duine a bhfuil feidhm ag alt 18 (1) maidir leis nó léi an fhaisnéis a shonraítear san fho-alt sin a fháil,
(e) ainmneacha agus ainmníochtaí na gcomhaltaí d'fhoireann an chomhlachta atá freagrach as na socruithe réamhráite a chomhall (mura gcreideann ceann an chomhlachta, le réasún, go bhféadfadh foilsiú na faisnéise sin sábháilteacht nó dea-bhail fhisiceach na ndaoine a chur i mbaol),
(f) an seoladh nó na seoltaí ag ar cheart iarrataí faoi alt 7 nó iarratais faoi alt 17 nó 18 a thabhairt,
(g) faisnéis chuí—
(i) maidir le haon chearta athbhreithnithe nó achomhairc i leith breitheanna a thabharfaidh an comhlacht (lena n-áirítear cearta athbhreithnithe agus achomhairc faoin Acht seo), agus
(ii) maidir leis an nós imeachta lena rialaítear feidhmiú na gceart sin agus le haon teorainneacha ama lena rialaítear an feidhmiú sin,
(h) aon fhaisnéis eile a mheasfaidh ceann an chomhlachta a bheith iomchuí chun feidhmiú an chirt rochtana a éascú, agus
(i) faisnéis i ndáil le cibé nithe eile (más ann) a fhorordófar.
(2) Déanfar leabhar tagartha a ullmhófar faoi fho-alt (1) a chur ar fáil de réir fho-alt (7)—
(a) i gcás gur comhlacht a shonraítear i mír 1 (seachas fomhír (3), (4) agus (5)) den Chéad Sceideal an comhlacht lena mbaineann, ar thosach feidhme an Achta seo,
(b) i gcás gur údarás áitiúil an comhlacht, ar thosach feidhme na fomhíre (3) sin,
(c) i gcás gur bord sláinte an comhlacht, ar thosach feidhme na fomhíre (4) sin, agus
(d) i gcás gur comhlacht a bheidh forordaithe faoi alt 3, chun críocha na fomhíre (5) sin, an comhlacht, ar an bhforordú sin,
agus ina dhiaidh sin, déanfaidh an comhlacht leagan, arna athmheas go cuí, den leabhar a ullmhú agus a fhoilsiú agus a chur ar fáil mar a dúradh tráth nach annaimhe ná 3 bliana tar éis don chomhlacht an leabhar is déanaí den sórt sin a chur ar fáil amhlaidh agus a luaithe is féidir tar éis aon athruithe suntasacha a bheith le déanamh sa leabhar is déanaí a bheidh curtha ar fáil amhlaidh nó tar éis aon bhreisithe suntasacha a bheith le cur leis.
(3) Le linn leabhar tagartha a ullmhú faoi fho-alt (1), cuirfidh comhlacht poiblí san áireamh gurbh é cuspóir an leabhair cabhrú le daoine den phobal a gcearta faoin Acht seo a fhionnadh agus a fheidhmiú.
(4) Déanfaidh an comhlacht lena mbaineann, an tráth a bhfoilseofar leabhar tagartha faoi fho-alt (1) nó (2), achoimre den leabhar a thabhairt don Aire agus cuirfidh an tAire faoi deara na hachoimrí a thabharfar dó nó di faoin bhfo-alt seo a chóimheas agus cuirfidh sé nó sí faoi deara leabhar tagartha, ina mbeidh na hachoimrí arna gcóimheas amhlaidh, a fhoilsiú agus a chur ar fáil de réir fho-alt (7) tráth nach déanaí ná 15 mhí tar éis thosach feidhme an Achta seo agus, ina dhiaidh sin, tráth nach annaimhe ná 3 bliana tar éis an leabhar is déanaí den sórt sin a fhoilsiú agus a chur ar fáil amhlaidh agus a luaithe is féidir tar éis aon athruithe suntasacha a bheith le déanamh sa leabhar is déanaí a bheidh curtha ar fáil amhlaidh nó tar éis aon bhreisithe suntasacha a bheith le cur leis.
(5) Cinnteoidh an tAire go ndéanfaidh comhlachtaí poiblí bearta cuí, maidir le hoiliúint foirne, socruithe eagrúcháin agus cibé nithe eile is cuí leis an Aire, chun gur fusa do na comhlachtaí an tAcht seo a chomhlíonadh agus, gan dochar do ghinearáltacht mhír (b) d'alt 3 (1), féadfaidh sé nó sí, le rialacháin arna ndéanamh faoin mír sin tar éis dul i gcomhairle leis an gCoimisinéir agus le Stiúrthóir na Cartlainne Náisiúnta (de réir bhrí an Achta um Chartlann Náisiúnta, 1986), foráil a dhéanamh maidir le taifid, atá i seilbh comhlachtaí poiblí, a bhainistiú agus a chothabháil.
(6) (a) A luaithe is féidir tar éis deireadh tréimhse a shonraítear i mír (d), ullmhóidh an tAire tuarascáil i scríbhinn ar na bearta a bheidh déanta ag comhlachtaí poiblí de bhun fho-alt (5) le linn na tréimhse sin.
(b) Áireofar i dtuarascáil faoin bhfo-alt seo tuarascáil ar aon bhearta a bheidh déanta ag comhlacht poiblí, le linn na tréimhse lena mbaineann an tuarascáil, de dhroim tuarascála faoi alt 36 (4).
(c) Cuirfidh an tAire faoi deara cóip de thuarascáil faoin bhfo-alt seo a thabhairt a luaithe is féidir don choiste (de réir bhrí alt 32).
(d) Is iad na tréimhsí dá dtagraítear i mír (a):
(i) an tréimhse 3 mhí dar tosach dáta thosach feidhme an Achta seo, agus
(ii) an tréimhse 12 mhí dar tosach an tráth a rachaidh an tréimhse réamhráite in éag agus gach tréimhse 12 mhí ina dhiaidh sin dar tosach an tráth a rachaidh an tréimhse 12 mhí díreach roimhe sin in éag.
(7) Cuirfear leabhar dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1), (2) nó (4) ar fáil lena iniúchadh saor in aisce, agus lena thabhairt chun siúil saor in aisce nó, de rogha an chinn lena mbaineann nó an Aire, de réir mar is cuí, lena cheannach, i cibé ionaid a chinnfidh an ceann nó, de réir mar is cuí, an tAire agus cuirfidh an ceann nó an tAire, de réir mar is cuí, faoi deara fógra maidir leis na hionaid sin a fhoilsiú ar cibé modh a mheasfaidh sé nó sí is leor chun críocha an ailt seo agus, má bhaineann an leabhar le húdarás áitiúil nó le bord sláinte, tabharfar cóip de do gach comhalta den údarás nó den bhord.
(8) Ní bheidh feidhm ag fo-alt (1) maidir le haon ábhar ar taifead díolmhaithe mar gheall air taifead ina bhfuil sé.
Faisnéis a fhoilsiú maidir le rialacha agus cleachtais i ndáil le breitheanna áirithe a thugann comhlachtaí poiblí.
16.—(1) Cuirfidh comhlacht poiblí faoi deara na nithe seo a leanas a ullmhú agus a fhoilsiú agus a chur ar fáil de réir fho-alt (5)—
(a) na rialacha, na nósanna imeachta, na cleachtais, na treoirlínte agus na léirithe a úsáideann an comhlacht, agus innéacs d'aon fhasaigh a choimeádann an comhlacht, chun críocha breitheanna, cinntí nó moltaí faoi réim nó chun críocha aon achtacháin nó scéime a riarann an comhlacht maidir le cearta, pribhléidí, sochair, oibleagáidí, píonóis nó smachtbhannaí eile a bhfuil nó a bhféadfadh sé go mbeidh daoine den phobal ina dteideal nó faoina réir faoin achtachán nó faoin scéim, agus
(b) faisnéis chuí i ndáil leis an modh nó an modh beartaithe ar a riarfar aon achtachán nó scéim den sórt sin.
(2) Déanfar foilseachán a ullmhófar faoi fho-alt (1) a chur ar fáil de réir fho-alt (5)—
(a) i gcás gur comhlacht a shonraítear i mír 1 (seachas fomhír (3), (4) nó (5)) den Chéad Sceideal an comhlacht lena mbaineann, ar thosach feidhme an Achta seo,
(b) i gcás gur údarás áitiúil an comhlacht, ar thosach feidhme na fomhíre (3) sin,
(c) i gcás gur bord sláinte an comhlacht, ar thosach feidhme na fomhíre (4) sin, agus
(d) i gcás gur comhlacht a bheidh forordaithe faoi alt 3, chun críocha na fomhíre (5) sin, an comhlacht, ar an bhforordú sin,
agus ina dhiaidh sin déanfaidh an comhlacht leagan, arna athmheas go cuí, den fhoilseachán a ullmhú agus a fhoilsiú agus a chur ar fáil mar a dúradh tráth nach annaimhe ná 3 bliana tar éis don chomhlacht an foilseachán is déanaí den sórt sin a chur ar fáil amhlaidh agus a luaithe is féidir tar éis aon athruithe suntasacha a bheith le déanamh san fhoilseachán is déanaí a bheidh curtha ar fáil amhlaidh nó tar éis aon bhreisithe suntasacha a bheith le cur leis.
(3) Mura ndéanfar an t-ábhar a shonraítear i mír (a) d'fho-alt (1) a fhoilsiú agus a chur ar fáil de réir an ailt seo nó má tá an t-ábhar a fhoilseofar amhlaidh, agus a airbheartóidh gurb é an t-ábhar réamhráite é, neamhiomlán nó míchruinn agus má shuíonn duine—
(a) nárbh eol dó nó di gurbh ann do riail, nós imeachta, cleachtas, treoirlíne, léiriú nó fasach dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1) (a) (“an riail”) nó do cheanglas áirithe de chuid na rialach, agus
(b) murach an neamhfhoilsiú, an neamh-infhaighteacht, an neamhiomláine nó an míchruinneas sin, de réir mar a bheidh, go mbeadh an t-eolas sin aige nó aici,
cinnteoidh an comhlacht poiblí lena mbaineann, más indéanta agus a mhéid is indéanta é, nach mbeidh an duine faoi réir aon dochair (nach pionós arna fhorchur ag cúirt ar é nó í a chiontú i gcion) de bhíthin an riail nó an ceanglas a chur i bhfeidhm, agus dá bhíthin sin amháin, dá bhféadfadh an duine an dochar sin a sheachaint le dlí dá mba eol dó nó di gurbh ann don riail nó don cheanglas.
(4) Ní bheidh feidhm ag fo-alt (3) i gcás go suífidh an comhlacht poiblí lena mbaineann gur ghlac sé bearta réasúnacha chun an riail nó an ceanglas lena mbaineann a chur in iúl dóibh siúd a ndéanann sí nó sé difear dóibh.
(5) Cuirfear foilseachán dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1) nó (2) ar fáil lena iniúchadh saor in aisce, agus lena thabhairt chun siúil saor in aisce nó, de rogha an chinn lena mbaineann, lena cheannach, i cibé ionaid a chinnfidh an ceann lena mbaineann agus cuirfidh an ceann faoi deara fógra maidir leis na hionaid sin a fhoilsiú ar cibé modh a mheasfaidh sé nó sí is leor chun críocha an ailt seo agus má bhaineann an foilseachán le húdarás áitiúil nó le bord sláinte, tabharfar cóip de do gach comhalta den údarás nó den bhord.
(6) Déanfar fasach dá dtagraítear in innéacs a shonraítear i bhfo-alt (1) a chur ar fáil don duine lena mbaineann de réir fho-alt (5) ar iarraidh chuige sin a bheith déanta chuig an gcomhlacht poiblí lena mbaineann.
(7) Ní bheidh feidhm ag fo-alt (1) maidir le haon ábhar ar taifead díolmhaithe mar gheall air taifead ina bhfuil sé.
Leasú ar thaifid a bhaineann le faisnéis phearsanta.
17.—(1) I gcás faisnéis phearsanta i dtaifead a bheidh i seilbh comhlachta phoiblí a bheith neamhiomlán, mícheart nó míthreorach, déanfaidh ceann an chomhlachta, ar iarratas chuige sin a bheith déanta chuige nó chuici, i scríbhinn nó i cibé foirm eile a chinnfear, ag an duine aonair lena mbaineann an fhaisnéis, an taifead a leasú—
(i) trína athrú chun go mbeidh an fhaisnéis iomlán nó ceart nó chun nach mbeidh sí míthreorach, de réir mar is cuí,
(ii) trí ráiteas a chur leis an taifead ina sonrófar na slite inar deimhin leis an gcomhlacht go bhfuil an fhaisnéis neamhiomlán, mícheart nó míthreorach, de réir mar is cuí, nó
(iii) tríd an bhfaisnéis a scriosadh as.
(2) Maidir le hiarratas faoi fho-alt (1)—
(a) sonrófar ann an taifead lena mbaineann agus an leasú atá ag teastáil, agus
(b) beidh faisnéis chuí ann mar thaca leis an iarratas,
a mhéid is indéanta é.
(3) Déanfaidh an ceann lena mbaineann, a luaithe is féidir, ach tráth nach déanaí ná 4 sheachtain, tar éis dó nó di iarratas faoi fho-alt (1) a fháil, breith a thabhairt i dtaobh cibé acu a ghéillfear nó a dhiúltófar géilleadh don iarratas agus cuirfidh sé nó sí faoi deara fógra, i scríbhinn nó i cibé foirm eile a chinnfear, a thabhairt don duine lena mbaineann maidir lena bhreith nó lena breith agus, más breith í géilleadh dó, maidir leis an modh ar a ngéillfear dó.
(4) (a) Má dhiúltaítear géilleadh d'iarratas faoi fho-alt (1), déanfaidh an ceann lena mbaineann—
(i) an t-iarratas nó cóip de nó, murab indéanta sin, nótáil ina gcuirfear in iúl go ndearnadh an t-iarratas, a chur i gceangal leis an taifead lena mbaineann, agus
(ii) sonraí faoi na nithe seo a leanas a chur san fhógra faoi fho-alt (3)—
(I) cearta athbhreithnithe agus achomhairc faoin Acht seo i ndáil leis an mbreith diúltú géilleadh don iarratas, agus
(II) an nós imeachta lena rialaítear feidhmiú na gceart sin agus aon teorainneacha ama lena rialaítear an feidhmiú sin.
(b) Níl feidhm ag mír (a)(i) i ndáil le cás inarb é tuairim an chinn lena mbaineann go bhfuil an t-iarratas lena mbaineann clúmhillteach nó go mbeadh toirt nach gá i gceist sna hathruithe lena mbaineann sé ar an taifead áirithe, nó sna breisithe lena mbaineann sé leis an taifead sin.
(5) I gcás go leasófar taifead de bhun an ailt seo, glacfaidh an comhlacht poiblí lena mbaineann gach beart réasúnach chun fógra maidir leis an leasú a thabhairt—
(a) d'aon duine dár tugadh rochtain ar an taifead faoin Acht seo, agus
(b) d'aon chomhlacht poiblí eile dár tugadh cóip den taifead,
le linn na tréimhse bliana dar críoch an dáta a ndearnadh an leasú.
Ceart duine chun faisnéise maidir le gníomhartha comhlachtaí poiblí a dhéanann difear don duine.
18.—(1) Ar iarratas chuige sin, i scríbhinn nó i cibé foirm eile a chinnfear, a bheith déanta chuig ceann comhlachta phoiblí ag duine a ndéanann gníomh de chuid an chomhlachta difear dó nó di agus a bhfuil leas ábhartha aige nó aici i ní dá ndéanann an gníomh difear nó lena mbaineann sé, cuirfidh an ceann faoi deara, tráth nach déanaí ná 4 sheachtain tar éis dó nó di an t-iarratas a fháil, ráiteas, i scríbhinn nó i cibé foirm eile a chinnfear, a thabhairt don duine, ar ráiteas é ina luafar—
(a) na cúiseanna atá leis an ngníomh, agus
(b) aon fhionnachtana maidir le haon saincheisteanna ábhartha fíorais a bheidh déanta chun críocha an ghnímh.
(2) Ní fhorléireofar aon ní san alt seo mar ní lena gceanglaítear—
(a) faisnéis atá i dtaifead díolmhaithe a thabhairt do dhuine, nó
(b) a nochtadh gurb ann nó nach ann do thaifead má cheanglaítear leis an Acht seo gan a nochtadh an ann nó nach ann dó.
(3) Ní bheidh feidhm ag fo-alt (1)—
(a) maidir le breith de chuid Choimisinéirí na Státseirbhíse de bhun fhomhír (d) nó (e) d'alt 17 (1) d'Acht Choimisinéirí na Stát-Sheirbhíse, 1956, gan glacadh le duine mar dhuine atá cáilithe le haghaidh poist dá dtagraítear san alt sin, nó
(b) maidir le breith de chuid na gCoimisinéirí um Cheapacháin Áitiúla, arna tabhairt de bhua alt 7 (3) d'Acht na nÚdarás nÁitiúil (Oifigigh agus Fostaithe), 1926, gan duine a mholadh d'údarás áitiúil le ceapadh chun oifige dá dtagraítear san alt sin,
más rud é, i dtuairim an chinn lena mbaineann, gur dóigh, dá dtabharfaí ráiteas faoi fho-alt (1) i ndáil leis an mbreith, go ndéanfaí dochar d'éifeachtacht an phróisis chun duine a roghnú le ceapadh chun an phoist nó chun na hoifige.
(4) Más rud é, de bhun fho-alt (2) nó (3), go dtabharfaidh ceann comhlachta phoiblí breith gan a chur faoi deara ráiteas faoi fho-alt (1) a thabhairt do dhuine, cuirfidh an ceann faoi deara, tráth nach déanaí ná 4 sheachtain tar éis an t-iarratas lena mbaineann faoi fho-alt (1) a fháil, fógra, i scríbhinn nó i cibé foirm eile a chinnfear, a thabhairt don duine maidir leis an mbreith.
(5) Chun críocha an ailt seo tá leas ábhartha ag duine i ní dá ndéanann gníomh de chuid comhlachta phoiblí difear nó lena mbaineann gníomh den sórt sin más rud é go bhféadfaidh sé gurbh é toradh nó éifeacht an ghnímh ná go dtabharfaí tairbhe don duine nó go gcoimeádfaí tairbhe siar ón duine gan í a thabhairt freisin, nó gan í a choimeád siar freisin, do dhaoine i gcoitinne nó uathu nó d'aicme daoine nó ó aicme daoine atá sách líonmhar ag féachaint do na himthosca go léir agus ar duine den aicme sin an duine.
(6) San alt seo—
folaíonn “gníomh”, i ndáil le comhlacht poiblí, breith (seachas breith faoin Acht seo) de chuid an chomhlachta;
folaíonn “tairbhe”, i ndáil le duine—
(a) aon bhuntáiste don duine,
(b) i leith gnímh de chuid comhlachta phoiblí arna dhéanamh ar iarraidh ón duine, aon toradh a bheidh ar an ngníomh, nó aon éifeacht a bheidh leis, maidir leis an duine, agus
(c) caillteanas, dliteanas, pianbhreith, forghéilleadh, pionósú nó míbhuntáiste eile, a dhéanfadh difear don duine, a sheachaint.
CUID III
Taifid Dhíolmhaithe
Cruinnithe den Rialtas.
19.—(1) Féadfaidh ceann diúltú géilleadh d'iarraidh faoi alt 7 más rud é, maidir leis an taifead lena mbaineann—
(a) gur chuir Aire den Rialtas nó an tArd-Aighne faoi bhráid an Rialtais é, nó go mbeartaíonn sé nó sí é a chur faoi bhráid an Rialtais, chun breithniú a dhéanamh air agus gur chun na críche sin a cruthaíodh é,
(b) gur taifead de chuid an Rialtais é seachas taifead trína bhfoilsíonn an Rialtas breith de chuid an Rialtais don phobal i gcoitinne nó trína bhfoilsítear breith den sórt sin thar a cheann, nó
(c) go bhfuil faisnéis (lena n-áirítear comhairle) ann do chomhalta den Rialtas, don Ard-Aighne, d'Aire Stáit, do Rúnaí an Rialtais nó do Rúnaí Cúnta an Rialtais lena húsáid aige nó aici d'aon toisc chun aon ghnó de chuid an Rialtais a dhéanamh ag cruinniú den Rialtas.
(2) Diúltóidh ceann géilleadh d'iarraidh faoi alt 7 más rud é, maidir leis an taifead lena mbaineann—
(a) go bhfuil ráiteas iomlán, nó cuid de ráiteas, ann a rinneadh ag cruinniú den Rialtas nó go bhfuil faisnéis ann a léiríonn éirim ráitis den sórt sin go huile nó cuid de, nó óna bhféadfaí éirim ráitis den sórt sin a thuiscint, agus
(b) nach taifead é—
(i) dá dtagraítear i mír (a) nó (c) d'fho-alt (1), nó
(ii) trína bhfoilsíonn an Rialtas breith de chuid an Rialtais don phobal i gcoitinne nó trína bhfoilsítear breith den sórt sin thar a cheann.
(3) Faoi réir fhorálacha an Achta seo, níl feidhm ag fo-alt (1) maidir le taifead dá dtagraítear san fho-alt sin—
(a) más rud é go bhfuil, agus a mhéid atá, faisnéis fhíorasach ann a bhaineann le breith de chuid an Rialtais a foilsíodh don phobal i gcoitinne, nó
(b) más rud é go mbaineann an taifead le breith de chuid an Rialtais a tugadh breis agus 5 bliana sula bhfuair an ceann lena mbaineann an iarraidh faoi alt 7 lena mbaineann.
(4) Ní thabharfar breith géilleadh d'iarraidh faoi alt 7 i leith taifid lena mbaineann mír (a) nó (b) d'fho-alt (1) mura mbeidh an ceann lena mbaineann, a mhéid is indéanta déanamh amhlaidh, tar éis dul i gcomhairle, roimh an mbreith a thabhairt, leis na daoine seo a leanas i ndáil leis an iarraidh—
(a) treoraí gach páirtí polaitíochta ar chomhalta de aon chomhalta den Rialtas a thug aon bhreith lena mbaineann an taifead, agus
(b) aon chomhalta den Rialtas réamhráite nár chomhalta de pháirtí polaitíochta é nó í.
(5) I gcás go mbaineann iarraidh faoi alt 7 le taifead a bhfuil feidhm ag fo-alt (1) maidir leis, nó a mbeadh feidhm ag an alt sin maidir leis dá mba ann don taifead, agus gur deimhin leis an gceann lena mbaineann go mbeadh sé contrártha do leas an phobail a nochtadh gurb ann nó nach ann don taifead, diúltóidh sé nó sí géilleadh don iarraidh agus ní nochtfaidh sé nó sí don iarrthóir lena mbaineann an ann nó nach ann don taifead.
(6) San alt seo—
folaíonn “breith de chuid an Rialtais” an Rialtas do nótáil nó do cheadú taifid a cuireadh faoina mbráid;
folaíonn “taifead” réamhdhréacht nó dréacht eile den ábhar go léir nó de chuid den ábhar atá sa taifead;
folaíonn “Rialtas” coiste den Rialtas, is é sin le rá, coiste arna cheapadh ag an Rialtas arb iad seo a leanas a chomhaltaí—
(a) comhaltaí den Rialtas, nó
(b) comhalta amháin nó níos mó den Rialtas mar aon le ceachtar díobh seo a leanas nó leo araon:
(i) Aire Stáit amháin nó níos mó,
(ii) an tArd-Aighne.
Pléití comhlachtaí poiblí.
20.—(1) Féadfaidh ceann diúltú géilleadh d'iarraidh faoi alt 7—
(a) más rud é go bhfuil ábhar sa taifead áirithe a bhaineann le próisis phléite an chomhlachta phoiblí lena mbaineann (lena n-áirítear tuairimí, comhairle, moltaí, agus torthaí comhchomhairle, arna mbreithniú ag an gcomhlacht, ag ceann an chomhlachta nó ag comhalta den chomhlacht nó d'fhoireann an chomhlachta chun críche na bpróiseas sin), agus
(b) go mbeadh sé contrártha do leas an phobail, i dtuairim an chinn, géilleadh don iarraidh,
agus, gan dochar do ghinearáltacht mhír (b), breithneoidh an ceann, le linn dó nó di cinneadh a dhéanamh géilleadh don iarraidh nó diúltú géilleadh di, an mbeadh sé contrártha do leas an phobail géilleadh di de bhíthin go gcuirfí, dá chionn sin, breith shuntasach a bheartaíonn an comhlacht a dhéanamh ar a iúl nó ar a hiúl don iarrthóir lena mbaineann.
(2) Níl feidhm ag fo-alt (1) maidir le taifead más rud é go bhfuil, agus a mhéid atá, aon cheann de na nithe seo a leanas ann—
(a) ábhar a úsáideann comhlacht poiblí, nó a bheartaíonn sé a úsáid, chun breitheanna, cinntí nó moltaí dá dtagraítear in alt 16 a thabhairt nó a dhéanamh,
(b) faisnéis fhíorasach (lena n-áirítear faisnéis staidrimh) agus anailísí ar an bhfaisnéis sin,
(c) na cúiseanna atá ag comhlacht poiblí le breith a thabhairt,
(d) tuarascáil ar imscrúdú nó anailís ar fheidhmíocht, ar éifeachtúlacht nó ar éifeachtacht comhlachta phoiblí i ndáil le feidhmeanna an chomhlachta i gcoitinne nó le feidhm áirithe dá chuid,
(e) tuarascáil, staidéar nó anailís de chuid saineolaí eolaíochta nó theicniúil a bhaineann le hábhar an tsaineolais atá aige nó aici nó tuarascáil ina bhfuil tuairimí nó comhairle saineolaí den sórt sin agus nach tuarascáil í a úsáideadh nó a coimisiúnaíodh chun críocha breithe de chuid comhlachta phoiblí arna déanamh de bhun aon achtacháin nó scéime.
Feidhmeanna agus caibidlí comhlachtaí poiblí.
21.—(1) Féadfaidh ceann diúltú géilleadh d'iarraidh faoi alt 7 más rud é, i dtuairim an chinn, go bhféadfaí le réasún a bheith ag súil leis, dá dtabharfaí rochtain ar an taifead lena mbaineann—
(a) go ndéanfaí dochar d'éifeachtacht tástálacha, scrúduithe, imscrúduithe, fiosrúchán nó iniúchtaí arna seoladh ag an gcomhlacht poiblí lena mbaineann nó thar a cheann nó do na nósanna imeachta nó na modhanna a úsáidtear chun iad a sheoladh,
(b) go mbeadh droch-éifeacht shuntasach aici ar chomhlíonadh aon cheann dá fheidhmeanna a bhaineann le bainistiú (lena n-áirítear caidreamh tionscail agus bainistiú a fhoirne) ag an gcomhlacht, nó
(c) go nochtfaí seasaimh a glacadh, nó a bheadh le glacadh, nó pleananna, nósanna imeachta, critéir nó treoracha a úsáideadh nó a leanadh nó a bheadh le húsáid nó le leanúint, chun críche aon chaibidlí a bhí nó atá, nó atá le bheith, á seoladh ag an Rialtas nó ag comhlacht poiblí, nó thar a cheann.
(2) Ní bheidh feidhm ag fo-alt (1) i ndáil le cás inarb é tuairim an chinn lena mbaineann gurbh fhearr, tríd is tríd, a dhéanfaí leas an phobail trí ghéilleadh don iarraidh faoi alt 7 lena mbaineann ná trí dhiúltú géilleadh di.
Cúrsaí parlaiminte agus cúirte agus nithe áirithe eile.
22.—(1) Diúltóidh ceann géilleadh d'iarraidh faoi alt 7 más rud é, maidir leis an taifead lena mbaineann—
(a) go mbeadh sé díolmhaithe óna thabhairt ar aird in imeachtaí i gcúirt ar fhoras pribhléide gairmiúla dlíthiúla,
(b) gur taifead é de chineál gur dhíspeagadh cúirte é a nochtadh, nó
(c) gurb é atá ann—
(i) páipéir phríobháideacha ionadaí i bParlaimint na hEorpa nó comhalta d'údarás áitiúil nó de bhord sláinte, nó
(ii) tuairimí, comhairle, moltaí, nó torthaí comhchomhairle, arna mbreithniú—
(I) ag ceachtar Teach den Oireachtas nó ag Cathaoirleach nó Leas-Chathaoirleach ceachtar Tí acu sin nó ag aon chomhalta eile de cheachtar Teach acu sin nó ag comhalta d'fhoireann Oifig Thithe an Oireachtais chun críocha na n-imeachtaí ag suí de cheachtar Teach acu sin, nó
(II) ag coiste arna cheapadh ag ceachtar Teach acu sin nó ag an dá Theach acu sin i gcomhpháirt agus ar a mbeidh comhaltaí de cheachtar Teach acu sin nó díobh araon nó ag comhalta de choiste den sórt sin nó ag comhalta d'fhoireann Oifig Thithe an Oireachtais chun críocha na n-imeachtaí ag cruinniú de choiste den sórt sin.
(2) I gcás go mbaineann iarraidh faoi alt 7 le taifead a bhfuil feidhm ag fo-alt (1) maidir leis, nó a mbeadh feidhm ag an alt sin maidir leis dá mba ann don taifead, agus gur deimhin leis an gceann lena mbaineann go mbeadh sé contrártha do leas an phobail a nochtadh gurb ann nó nach ann don taifead, diúltóidh sé nó sí géilleadh don iarraidh agus ní nochtfaidh sé nó sí don iarrthóir lena mbaineann an ann nó nach ann don taifead.
Forfheidhmiú an dlí agus sábháilteacht an phobail.
23.—(1) Féadfaidh ceann diúltú géilleadh d'iarraidh faoi alt 7 más rud é go bhféadfaí le réasún a bheith ag súil leis, dá dtabharfaí rochtain ar an taifead—
(a) go ndéanfaí dochar nó díobháil do na nithe seo a leanas—
(i) cosc, brath nó imscrúdú cionta, gabháil nó ionchúiseamh ciontóirí nó éifeachtacht modhanna, córas, pleananna nó nósanna imeachta dleathacha a úsáidtear chun críocha na nithe réamhráite,
(ii) forfheidhmiú, comhlíonadh nó riaradh aon dlí,
(iii) modhanna, córais, pleananna nó nósanna imeachta dleathacha chun sábháilteacht an phobail agus sábháilteacht nó slándáil daoine agus maoine a chinntiú,
(iv) cothroime imeachtaí coiriúla i gcúirt nó imeachtaí sibhialta i gcúirt nó i mbinse eile,
(v) slándáil forais pionóis,
(vi) slándáil an Phríomh-Ospidéil Meabhair-Ghalar,
(vii) slándáil foirgnimh nó déanmhais eile nó feithicle, loinge, báid nó aerárthaigh,
(viii) slándáil aon chórais cumarsáidí, cibé acu inmheánach nó seachtrach, de chuid an Gharda Síochána, Óglaigh na hÉireann, na gCoimisinéirí Ioncaim nó forais pionóis,
(b) go léireofaí, nó go dtiocfadh de go léireofaí, céannacht duine a thug faisnéis do chomhlacht poiblí i modh rúin i ndáil le forfheidhmiú nó riaradh an dlí shibhialta nó aon fhoinse eile faisnéise den sórt sin a tugadh i modh rúin, nó
(c) go n-éascófaí cion a dhéanamh.
(2) I gcás go mbaineann iarraidh faoi alt 7 le taifead a bhfuil feidhm ag fo-alt (1) maidir leis, nó a mbeadh feidhm ag an alt sin maidir leis dá mba ann don taifead, agus gur deimhin leis an gceann lena mbaineann, dá nochtfaí gurb ann nó nach ann don taifead, go mbeadh éifeacht leis sin a shonraítear i mír (a), (b) nó (c) den fho-alt sin, diúltóidh sé nó sí géilleadh don iarraidh agus ní nochtfaidh sé nó sí don iarrthóir lena mbaineann an ann nó nach ann don taifead.
(3) Níl feidhm ag fo-alt (1) maidir le taifead—
(a) más rud é—
(i) go nochtar leis, maidir le himscrúdú chun aon dlí a fhorfheidhmiú, nó maidir le haon ní a dhéantar i gcúrsa imscrúdú den sórt sin nó chun cionta a chosc nó a bhrath nó chun ciontóirí a ghabháil nó a ionchúiseamh, nach bhfuil sé údaraithe le dlí nó go sáraíonn sé aon dlí, nó
(ii) go bhfuil faisnéis ann—
(I) maidir le comhlíonadh feidhmeanna comhlachta phoiblí a n-áirítear ar a fheidhmeanna feidhmeanna a bhaineann le forfheidhmiú an dlí nó le sábháilteacht an phobail a chinntiú (lena n-áirítear éifeachtacht agus éifeachtúlacht an chomhlíonta sin), nó
(II) maidir le tuillteanas nó a mhalairt, nó le rathúlacht nó a mhalairt, aon chláir, scéime nó beartais de chuid comhlachta phoiblí chun sáruithe ar an dlí a chosc, a bhrath nó a imscrúdú, nó maidir le héifeachtacht nó le héifeachtúlacht chur i ngníomh aon chláir, scéime nó beartais den sórt sin ag comhlacht poiblí,
agus
(b) más é tuairim an chinn lena mbaineann gurbh fhearr, tríd is tríd, a dhéanfaí leas an phobail trí ghéilleadh don iarraidh lena mbaineann ná trí dhiúltú géilleadh di.
(4) I bhfo-alt (1) ciallaíonn “foras pionóis”—
(a) áit a bhfuil feidhm ag Achtanna na bPríosún, 1826 go 1980, maidir léi,
(b) príosún míleata nó beairic coinneála de réir bhrí an Achta Cosanta, 1954, i ngach cás acu,
(c) Foras Naomh Pádraig, nó
(d) foras arna bhunú faoin Children Act, 1908, ina gcoinnítear ciontóirí óga.
Slándáil, cosaint agus caidreamh idirnáisiúnta.
24.—(1) Féadfaidh ceann diúltú géilleadh d'iarraidh faoi alt 7 i ndáil le taifead (agus, go háirithe, ach gan dochar do ghinearáltacht an fho-ailt seo thairis sin, i ndáil le taifead a bhfuil feidhm ag fo-alt (2) maidir leis) más rud é, i dtuairim an chinn, go bhféadfaí le réasún a bheith ag súil leis, dá dtabharfaí rochtain ar an taifead, go ndéanfaí dochar—
(a) do shlándáil an Stáit,
(b) do chosaint an Stáit,
(c) do chaidreamh idirnáisiúnta an Stáit, nó
(d) do nithe a bhaineann le Tuaisceart Éireann.
(2) Tá feidhm ag an bhfo-alt seo maidir le taifead—
(a) ina bhfuil faisnéis—
(i) a fuarthas nó a ullmhaíodh chun críche eolais i leith shlándáil nó chosaint an Stáit, nó
(ii) a bhaineann—
(I) le hoirbheartaíocht, straitéis nó oibríochtaí Óglaigh na hÉireann laistigh nó lasmuigh den Stát, nó
(II) le brath, cosc, nó díchur gníomhaíochtaí dá dtiocfadh nó a thabharfadh an t-ord poiblí nó údarás an Stáit a bhonnbhriseadh (abairt a bhfuil an bhrí chéanna léi atá le “dá dtiocfadh nó do bhéarfadh an t-ord puiblí nó údarás an Stáit do bhonnbhriseadh” in alt 2 den Acht um Chiontaí in Aghaidh an Stáit, 1939),
(b) ina bhfuil cumarsáid idir Aire den Rialtas agus misean taidhleoireachta nó post consalachta sa Stát nó cumarsáid idir an Rialtas nó duine atá ag gníomhú thar ceann an Rialtais agus rialtas eile nó duine atá ag feidhmiú thar ceann rialtais eile,
(c) ina bhfuil cumarsáid idir Aire den Rialtas agus misean taidhleoireachta nó post consalachta de chuid an Stáit,
(d) ina bhfuil faisnéis a bheidh curtha i bhfios i modh rúin d'aon duine laistigh nó lasmuigh den Stát ó aon duine laistigh nó lasmuigh den Stát, ar faisnéis í a bhaineann le ní dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1) nó le cosaint chearta an duine agus a mbeidh sé ráite ina leith ag an duine is déanaí sin gur faisnéis faoi rún í nó go bhfuil sí le cur i bhfios i modh rúin,
(e) ina bhfuil faisnéis a bheidh curtha i bhfios i modh rúin ó eagraíocht idirnáisiúnta stát nó fo-organ de chuid eagraíochta den sórt sin nó ó institiúid nó comhlacht den Aontas Eorpach nó chuici nó chuige nó laistigh di nó laistigh de nó a bhaineann le caibidlí idir an Stát agus eagraíocht, organ, institiúid nó comhlacht den sórt sin nó laistigh d'eagraíocht, d'organ, d'institiúid nó de chomhlacht den sórt sin, nó i ndáil léi nó leis, nó
(f) ar taifead é de chuid eagraíochta, orgain, institiúide nó comhlachta dá dtagraítear i mír (e) ina bhfuil faisnéis a dtoirmisceann an eagraíocht, an t-organ, an institiúid nó an comhlacht í a nochtadh.
(3) I gcás go mbaineann iarraidh faoi alt 7 le taifead a bhfuil feidhm ag fo-alt (1) maidir leis, nó lena mbeadh feidhm ag an bhfo-alt sin maidir leis dá mba ann don taifead, agus gur deimhin leis an gceann lena mbaineann, dá nochtfaí gurb ann nó nach ann don taifead, go ndéanfaí dochar do ní dá dtagraítear san fho-alt sin, diúltóidh sé nó sí géilleadh don iarraidh agus ní nochtfaidh sé nó sí don iarrthóir lena mbaineann an ann nó nach ann don taifead.
Breitheanna áirithe de bhun ailt 23 agus 24 a bheith dochloíte.
25.—(1) (a) Más rud é, faoi réir mhír (b)—
(i) maidir le hAire den Rialtas nó ceann comhlachta phoiblí (seachas Roinn Stáit nó Oifig an Tánaiste) a bhfuil feidhmeanna tugtha don Aire sin den Rialtas i ndáil leis —
(I) go ndiúltóidh sé nó sí, de bhun alt 8, géilleadh d'iarraidh chuige nó chuici faoi alt 7, nó
(II) go seasfaidh sé nó sí le breith, nó go dtabharfaidh sé nó sí breith, de bhun alt 14, diúltú géilleadh d'iarraidh faoi alt 7,
toisc gur deimhin leis nó léi gur taifead díolmhaithe de bhua alt 23 nó 24 an taifead lena mbaineann, agus
(ii) gur deimhin leis an Aire den Rialtas go bhfuil an taifead sách íogair nó sách tromaí chun gur chóir dó nó di déanamh amhlaidh,
féadfaidh an tAire den Rialtas a dhearbhú, i ndeimhniú a eiseoidh sé nó sí (“deimhniú”), gur taifead díolmhaithe de bhua alt 23 nó 24 an taifead.
(b) Ní eiseoidh Aire den Rialtas deimhniú i leith taifid is ábhar do bhreith dá dtagraítear i gclásal (I) nó (II) de mhír (a) (i) ó cheann comhlachta phoiblí (seachas Roinn Stáit nó Oifig an Tánaiste) mura mbeidh an ceann tar éis a iarraidh air nó uirthi, i scríbhinn nó i cibé foirm eile a chinnfear, déanamh amhlaidh.
(2) I gcás go ndéanfar iarratas chuig ceann chun athbhreithniú a dhéanamh faoi alt 14 ar bhreith diúltú géilleadh d'iarraidh faoi alt 7, ní eiseofar deimhniú i leith an taifid lena mbaineann tráth is déanaí ná 3 sheachtain tar éis an dáta a bhfaighidh an ceann sin an t-iarratas.
(3) Fad a bheidh deimhniú i bhfeidhm—
(a) measfar go dochloíte, faoi réir fhorálacha an Achta seo, gur taifead díolmhaithe an taifead lena mbaineann sé, agus
(b) ní bheidh aon ábhar iarratais ann chun athbhreithniú a dhéanamh faoi alt 14 nó 34, de réir mar is cuí, ar an mbreith lena mbaineann faoi alt 8 nó 14 i ndáil leis an taifead.
(4) Aon doiciméad a airbheartóidh gur deimhniú é agus go bhfuil sé sínithe ag Aire den Rialtas measfar, mura gcruthófar a mhalairt, gur deimhniú é ón Aire sin den Rialtas agus go bhfuil sé i bhfeidhm agus glacfar é in aon imeachtaí i gcúirt nó faoi alt 14 nó 34 gan a thuilleadh cruthúnais.
(5) Sonrófar na nithe seo a leanas i ndeimhniú—
(a) an iarraidh faoi alt 7 lena mbaineann,
(b) na forálacha d'alt 23 nó 24, de réir mar is cuí, ar faoina dtreoir is taifead díolmhaithe an taifead lena mbaineann sé,
(c) an dáta a síníonn an tAire den Rialtas lena mbaineann an deimhniú agus an dáta a rachaidh sé in éag, agus
(d) ainm an iarrthóra,
agus déanfaidh an tAire den Rialtas a eisíonn é an deimhniú a shíniú.
(6) Ar dheimhniú a eisiúint, cuirfidh an tAire den Rialtas lena mbaineann faoi deara—
(a) cóip den deimhniú a thabhairt láithreach don iarrthóir lena mbaineann, agus
(b) cóip den deimhniú agus ráiteas i scríbhinn a thabhairt láithreach don Taoiseach agus do cibé Airí eile den Rialtas a fhorordófar ar ráiteas é maidir leis na cúiseanna ar taifead díolmhaithe an taifead lena mbaineann sé agus maidir leis an ní ar faoina threoir is deimhin leis an Aire den Rialtas go bhfuil feidhm ag fo-alt (1) (a) (ii) maidir leis an taifead.
(7) (a) Faoi réir mhír (b), déanfaidh an Taoiseach, i gcomhar le haon Airí eile den Rialtas a bheidh arna bhforordú faoi fho-alt (6), a luaithe is féidir tar éis dheireadh gach tréimhse 6 mhí (nó cibé tréimhse eile nach faide ná 12 mhí a bheidh forordaithe) dar tosach an tréimhse ó thosach feidhme an Achta seo, oibriú fho-alt (1) le linn na tréimhse sin a athbhreithniú.
(b) Ní ghlacfaidh Aire den Rialtas páirt in athbhreithniú faoin bhfo-alt seo a mhéid a bhaineann sé le deimhniú arna eisiúint aige nó aici ach féadfaidh sé nó sí aighneachtaí a dhéanamh chuig na hAirí eile den Rialtas lena mbaineann i ndáil leis an gcuid d'athbhreithniú den sórt sin a bhfuil cosc mar a dúradh air nó uirthi páirt a ghlacadh ann.
(c) Más rud é, tar éis athbhreithniú faoin bhfo-alt seo, nach deimhin leis na hAirí den Rialtas lena mbaineann—
(i) gur taifead díolmhaithe taifead lena mbaineann an deimhniú áirithe, nó
(ii) go bhfuil aon chuid den fhaisnéis atá sa taifead sách íogair nó sách tromaí chun gur chóir go leanfadh an deimhniú de bheith i bhfeidhm,
iarrfaidh siad ar an Aire den Rialtas lena mbaineann an deimhniú a chúlghairm.
(d) Féadfaidh Aire den Rialtas, chun críocha athbhreithniú ag an Aire sin den Rialtas faoin bhfo-alt seo, scrúdú a dhéanamh ar na taifid iomchuí go léir a bheidh á sealbhú ag ceann eile nó thar ceann nó faoi rialú cinn eile.
(8) (a) Féadfaidh an Taoiseach, tráth ar bith, oibriú fho-alt (1) a mhéid a bhaineann sé le haon Aire eile den Rialtas, nó le heisiúint deimhnithe áirithe ag Aire eile den Rialtas, a athbhreithniú.
(b) Beidh éifeacht le míreanna (c) agus (d) d'fho-alt (7) i ndáil le hathbhreithniú faoin bhfo-alt seo fairis na modhnuithe is gá.
(9) Féadfaidh Aire den Rialtas, agus déanfaidh sé nó sí, má iarrtar air nó uirthi de bhun fho-alt (7) (c) déanamh amhlaidh, le hionstraim arna síniú aige nó aici, deimhniú arna eisiúint ag an Aire sin den Rialtas a chúlghairm agus, má dhéanann sé nó sí amhlaidh, cuirfidh sé nó sí faoi deara cóip den ionstraim a thabhairt láithreach don iarrthóir lena mbaineann.
(10) Má dhéanann an Ard-Chúirt deimhniú, nó an bhreith lena mbaineann faoi alt 8 nó 14 i ndáil le taifead lena mbaineann deimhniú, a neamhniú faoi alt 42, rachaidh an deimhniú in éag air sin.
(11) Cuirfidh Aire den Rialtas faoi deara, gach bliain tar éis na bliana a dtiocfaidh an t-alt seo i ngníomh, tuarascáil i scríbhinn a ullmhú agus a thabhairt don Choimisinéir ina sonrófar líon na ndeimhnithe a d'eisigh sé nó sí sa bhliain roimhe sin agus na forálacha d'alt 23 nó 24, de réir mar is cuí, ar dá mbua a diúltaíodh, de bhun alt 8, géilleadh don iarraidh faoi alt 7 lena mbaineann, nó a tugadh breith, de bhun alt 14, seasamh le breith diúltú géilleadh don iarraidh faoi alt 7 lena mbaineann.
(12) I gcás go gcúlghairfear deimhniú nó ina mbeidh sé tar éis dul in éag agus nach mbeidh deimhniú eile i bhfeidhm i ndáil leis an taifead lena mbaineann nó ina neamhnófar an deimhniú faoi alt 42, féadfaidh an t-iarrthóir lena mbaineann, tráth nach déanaí ná 28 lá tar éis dháta na cúlghairme, an éaga nó an neamhnithe, de réir mar a bheidh, iarratas a dhéanamh go ndéanfar athbhreithniú faoi alt 14 nó 34, de réir mar is cuí, ar an mbreith lena mbaineann faoi alt 8 nó 14.
(13) Faoi réir fho-ailt (9) agus (10), leanfaidh deimhniú de bheith i bhfeidhm go ceann tréimhse 2 bhliain ón dáta a síníonn an tAire den Rialtas lena mbaineann é agus rachaidh sé in éag ansin, ach féadfaidh Aire den Rialtas, tráth ar bith, deimhniú a eisiúint faoin alt seo i leith taifid ar eisíodh deimhniú i ndáil leis roimhe sin mura rud é—
(a) de bhun breithe (nár freaschuireadh) tar éis athbhreithniú faoi alt 14 nó 34, nó
(b) de bhun breithe faoi alt 42 ar achomharc chun na hArd-Chúirte,
nach taifead díolmhaithe an taifead.
Faisnéis a fhaightear i modh rúin.
26.—(1) Faoi réir fhorálacha an ailt seo, diúltóidh ceann géilleadh d'iarraidh faoi alt 7 más rud é—
(a) go bhfuil faisnéis sa taifead lena mbaineann ar faisnéis í a tugadh don chomhlacht poiblí lena mbaineann i modh rúin agus ar an mbonn tuisceana go ndéileálfadh sé léi mar fhaisnéis faoi rún (lena n-áirítear faisnéis den sórt sin a dúradh ar ceanglaíodh ar dhuine le dlí, nó a bhféadfadh an comhlacht, de bhun dlí, a cheangal air nó uirthi í a thabhairt don chomhlacht) agus gurb é tuairim an chinn gur dóigh, dá nochtfaí í, go ndéanfaí dochar do thabhairt faisnéise eile dá shamhail don chomhlacht ag an duine céanna nó ag daoine eile agus go bhfuil sé tábhachtach don chomhlacht go leanfaí d'fhaisnéis eile dá shamhail den sórt sin a thabhairt don chomhlacht, nó
(b) gurbh ionann nochtadh na faisnéise lena mbaineann agus sárú dualgais rúndachta dá bhforáiltear le foráil de chomhaontú nó d'achtachán (seachas foráil a shonraítear i gcolún (3) den Tríú Sceideal d'achtachán a shonraítear sa Sceideal sin) nó thairis sin le dlí.
(2) Ní bheidh feidhm ag fo-alt (1) maidir le taifead arna ullmhú ag ceann nó ag aon duine eile (is stiúrthóir ar chomhlacht poiblí nó comhalta d'fhoireann comhlachta phoiblí nó is duine atá ag soláthar seirbhíse do chomhlacht poiblí faoi chonradh le haghaidh seirbhísí) le linn dó nó di a fheidhmeanna nó a feidhmeanna a chomhlíonadh murarbh ionann nochtadh na faisnéise lena mbaineann agus sárú dualgais rúndachta dá bhforáiltear le comhaontú nó le reacht nó thairis sin le dlí agus a bheidh ag dul do dhuine seachas comhlacht poiblí nó ceann, nó comhalta d'fhoireann, comhlachta phoiblí nó stiúrthóir air nó duine atá ag soláthar seirbhíse, nó a sholáthair seirbhís, do chomhlacht poiblí faoi chonradh le haghaidh seirbhísí.
(3) Faoi réir alt 29, ní bheidh feidhm ag fo-alt (1) (a) i ndáil le cás inarb é tuairim an chinn lena mbaineann gurbh fhearr, tríd is tríd, a dhéanfaí leas an phobail trí ghéilleadh don iarraidh faoi alt 7 lena mbaineann ná trí dhiúltú géilleadh di.
Faisnéis atá íogair ó thaobh na tráchtála de.
27.—(1) Faoi réir fho-alt (2), diúltóidh ceann géilleadh d'iarraidh faoi alt 7 más rud é go bhfuil sa taifead lena mbaineann—
(a) rúin trádála de chuid duine seachas an t-iarrthóir lena mbaineann,
(b) faisnéis airgeadais, tráchtála, eolaíochta nó theicniúil, nó faisnéis eile a bhféadfaí le réasún a bheith ag súil leis go mbeadh de thoradh ar í a nochtadh caillteanas nó gnóchan airgeadais ábhartha don duine lena mbaineann an fhaisnéis, nó a bhféadfadh a nochtadh dochar a dhéanamh do staid iomaíochta an duine sin i seoladh na gairme nó an ghnó atá aige nó aici nó thairis sin ina shlí bheatha nó ina slí bheatha, nó
(c) faisnéis a bhféadfadh a nochtadh dochar a dhéanamh do sheoladh nó do thoradh caibidlí conarthacha nó caibidlí eile ag an duine lena mbaineann an fhaisnéis.
(2) Géillfidh ceann d'iarraidh faoi alt 7 lena mbaineann fo-alt (1) más rud é—
(a) go dtoileoidh an duine lena mbaineann an taifead áirithe, i scríbhinn nó i cibé foirm eile a chinnfear, le rochtain ar an taifead a thabhairt don iarrthóir lena mbaineann,
(b) go bhfuil faisnéis den chineál céanna leis an bhfaisnéis atá sa taifead i leith daoine i gcoitinne, nó i leith aicme daoine atá, ag féachaint do na himthosca go léir, sách líonmhar, ar fáil don phobal i gcoitinne,
(c) nach mbaineann an taifead ach amháin leis an iarrthóir,
(d) gurb é nó gurb í an duine lena mbaineann an taifead a thug faisnéis atá sa taifead don chomhlacht poiblí lena mbaineann agus gur cuireadh in iúl don duine thar ceann an chomhlachta, sular tugadh í amhlaidh, go mbaineann an fhaisnéis le haicme faisnéise a chuirfí ar fáil nó a d'fhéadfaí a chur ar fáil don phobal i gcoitinne, nó
(e) gur gá an fhaisnéis lena mbaineann a nochtadh chun garchontúirt mhór do bheatha nó do shláinte duine aonair nó don timpeallacht a sheachaint.
(3) Faoi réir alt 29, níl feidhm ag fo-alt (1) i ndáil le cás inarb é tuairim an chinn lena mbaineann gurbh fhearr, tríd is tríd, a dhéanfaí leas an phobail trí ghéilleadh don iarraidh faoi alt 7 lena mbaineann ná trí dhiúltú géilleadh di.
Faisnéis phearsanta.
28.—(1) Faoi réir fhorálacha an ailt seo, diúltóidh ceann géilleadh d'iarraidh faoi alt 7 más é tuairim an chinn go nochtfaí faisnéis phearsanta (lena n-áirítear faisnéis phearsanta a bhaineann le duine aonair éagtha) dá dtabharfaí rochtain ar an taifead áirithe.
(2) Níl feidhm ag fo-alt (1) más rud é—
(a) gur leis an iarrthóir áirithe a bhaineann an fhaisnéis áirithe, ach sin faoi réir fho-alt (3),
(b) go dtoileoidh aon duine aonair lena mbaineann an fhaisnéis, i scríbhinn nó i cibé foirm eile a chinnfear, leis an bhfaisnéis sin a nochtadh don iarrthóir,
(c) go bhfuil faisnéis den chineál céanna leis an bhfaisnéis atá sa taifead i leith daoine aonair i gcoitinne, nó i leith aicme daoine aonair atá, ag féachaint do na himthosca go léir, sách líonmhar, ar fáil don phobal i gcoitinne,
(d) gurb é nó gurb í an duine aonair lena mbaineann an fhaisnéis a thug í don chomhlacht poiblí lena mbaineann agus gur cuireadh in iúl don duine aonair thar ceann an chomhlachta, sular tugadh í amhlaidh, go mbaineann an fhaisnéis le haicme faisnéise a chuirfí ar fáil nó a d'fhéadfaí a chur ar fáil don phobal i gcoitinne, nó
(e) gur gá an fhaisnéis a nochtadh chun garchontúirt mhór do bheatha nó do shláinte duine aonair a sheachaint,
ach, i gcás a thagann faoi réim mhír (a) nó (b), cinnteoidh an ceann lena mbaineann go ndéanfar, sula ngéillfear don iarraidh faoi alt 7 lena mbaineann, céannacht an iarrthóra nó, de réir mar a bheidh, toiliú an duine aonair, a shuíomh chun sástacht an chinn.
(3) I gcás go mbaineann iarraidh faoi alt 7—
(a) le taifead de chineál liachta nó síciatrachta a bhaineann leis an iarrthóir áirithe, nó
(b) le taifead atá á choimeád chun críocha oibre sóisialaí i ndáil leis an iarrthóir, nó a fuarthas le linn obair den sórt sin a chur i gcrích,
agus, i dtuairim an chinn lena mbaineann, go bhféadfaí dochar a dhéanamh do shláinte coirp nó meabhrach, do dhea-bhail nó do riocht mothúchánach an iarrthóra dá ndéanfaí an fhaisnéis lena mbaineann a nochtadh dó nó di, féadfaidh an ceann breith a thabhairt diúltú géilleadh don iarraidh.
(4) I gcás go ndiúltóidh ceann, de bhun fho-alt (3), géilleadh d'iarraidh faoi alt 7—
(a) áireofar san fhógra faoi alt 8 (1) i ndáil leis an ní ráiteas á rá go ndéanfaidh an ceann, má iarrann an t-iarrthóir air nó uirthi déanamh amhlaidh, rochtain ar an taifead lena mbaineann a thairiscint do cibé gairmí sláinte, a mbeidh saineolas aige nó aici i ndáil le hábhar an taifid, a shonróidh an t-iarrthóir, agus an taifead a choimeád ar fáil chun na críche sin, de réir alt 8 (3), agus
(b) má iarrann an t-iarrthóir ar an gceann amhlaidh, déanfaidh sé nó sí rochtain ar an taifead a thairiscint don ghairmí sláinte sin a dúradh, agus é a choimeád ar fáil chun na críche sin, de réir alt 8 (3).
(5) I gcás gurb é tuairim an chinn lena mbaineann, maidir le hiarraidh faoi alt 7 a ndiúltófaí géilleadh di faoi fho-alt (1) murach an fo-alt seo—
(a) gur tábhachtaí, tríd is tríd, leas an phobail go ngéillfí don iarraidh ná leas an phobail go gcosnófaí ceart chun príobháideachta an duine aonair lena mbaineann an fhaisnéis, nó
(b) go rachadh sé chun tairbhe don duine aonair réamhráite, tríd is tríd, dá ngéillfí don iarraidh,
féadfaidh an ceann, faoi réir alt 29, géilleadh don iarraidh.
(6) D'ainneoin fho-alt (1), féadfaidh an tAire a fhoráil le rialacháin maidir le géilleadh d'iarraidh faoi alt 7 más rud é—
(a) gur duine d'aicme a shonraítear sna rialacháin an duine aonair lena mbaineann agus gur tuismitheoir nó caomhnóir an duine aonair an t-iarrthóir lena mbaineann, nó
(b) go bhfuil an duine aonair lena mbaineann an taifead áirithe marbh agus gur duine d'aicme a shonraítear sna rialacháin an t-iarrthóir lena mbaineann.
(7) San alt seo ciallaíonn “gairmí sláinte” lia-chleachtóir, de réir bhrí Acht na Lia-Chleachtóirí, 1978, fiaclóir cláraithe, de réir bhrí Acht na bhFiaclóirí, 1985, nó duine d'aon aicme eile oibrithe sláinte nó oibrithe sóisialacha a bheidh forordaithe, tar éis dul i gcomhairle le cibé Airí eile (más ann) den Rialtas is cuí leis an Aire.
Nós imeachta i ndáil le hiarrataí áirithe faoi alt 7 a bhfuil feidhm ag alt 26, 27 nó 28 maidir leo.
29.—(1) San alt seo ciallaíonn “iarraidh a bhfuil feidhm ag an alt seo maidir léi” iarraidh faoi alt 7 a bhfuil feidhm ag alt 26 (3) nó 27 (3) maidir léi nó a bhfuil feidhm ag alt 28 (5) maidir léi agus a ngéillfí di ar leith ón alt seo.
(2) Faoi réir fho-alt (5), déanfaidh ceann, roimh bhreith a thabhairt i dtaobh an ngéillfidh sé nó sí d'iarraidh a bhfuil feidhm ag an alt seo maidir léi agus tráth nach déanaí ná 2 sheachtain tar éis an iarraidh a fháil—
(a) más iarraidh í an iarraidh a bhfuil feidhm ag alt 26 (3) maidir léi, a chur faoi deara, maidir leis an duine a thug an fhaisnéis lena mbaineann don chomhlacht poiblí lena mbaineann agus, más rud é gur cuí leis an gceann é, maidir leis an duine lena mbaineann an fhaisnéis, nó
(b) más iarraidh í an iarraidh a bhfuil feidhm ag alt 27 (3) nó 28 (5) maidir léi, a chur faoi deara, maidir leis an duine lena mbaineann an fhaisnéis,
fógra, i scríbhinn nó i cibé foirm eile a chinnfear, a thabhairt dó nó di—
(i) maidir leis an iarraidh agus á rá go ngéillfear di ar mhaithe le leas an phobail, ar leith ón alt seo,
(ii) á rá go bhféadfaidh an duine, tráth nach déanaí ná 3 sheachtain tar éis an fógra a fháil, aighneachtaí a dhéanamh chuig an gceann i ndáil leis an iarraidh, agus
(iii) á rá go mbreithneoidh an ceann aon aighneachtaí den sórt sin roimh bhreith a thabhairt i dtaobh cibé acu a ghéillfidh sé nó sí, nó a dhiúltóidh sé nó sí géilleadh, don iarraidh.
(3) Aon duine a gheobhaidh fógra faoi fho-alt (2) féadfaidh sé nó sí, tráth nach déanaí ná 3 sheachtain tar éis dó nó di an fógra a fháil, aighneachtaí a dhéanamh chuig an gceann lena mbaineann i ndáil leis an iarraidh a bhfuil feidhm ag an alt seo maidir léi agus dá dtagraítear san fhógra agus déanfaidh an ceann—
(a) aon aighneachtaí den sórt sin a dhéanfar amhlaidh a bhreithniú roimh bhreith a thabhairt i dtaobh an ngéillfidh sé nó sí don iarraidh,
(b) a chur faoi deara fógra, i scríbhinn nó i cibé foirm eile a chinnfear, a thabhairt don duine maidir leis an mbreith, agus
(c) más breith í géilleadh don iarraidh, a chur faoi deara go mbeidh sonraí san fhógra faoin gceart go ndéanfaí an bhreith a athbhreithniú faoi alt 34, faoin nós imeachta lena rialaítear feidhmiú an chirt sin agus faoin teorainn ama lena rialaítear an feidhmiú sin.
(4) Faoi réir fho-alt (5), tabharfaidh ceann breith i dtaobh an ngéillfidh sé nó sí d'iarraidh a bhfuil feidhm ag an alt seo maidir léi, agus comhlíonfaidh sé nó sí fo-alt (3) i ndáil leis an gcéanna, tráth nach déanaí ná 2 sheachtain—
(a) tar éis an t-am a shonraítear i bhfo-alt (3) a bheith caite, nó
(b) tar éis aighneachtaí a fháil faoin bhfo-alt sin i ndáil leis an iarraidh ó na daoine lena mbaineann,
cibé acu is luaithe, agus forléireofar alt 8 (1), agus beidh éifeacht leis, dá réir sin.
(5) Más rud é, i ndáil le hiarraidh a bhfuil feidhm ag an alt seo maidir léi, nach mbeidh an ceann lena mbaineann in ann fo-alt (2) a chomhlíonadh, tar éis gach beart réasúnach a ghlacadh chun déanamh amhlaidh, déanfaidh an ceann, má thoilíonn an Coimisinéir leis an neamhchomhlíonadh, breith a thabhairt i dtaobh cibé acu a ghéillfidh nó a dhiúltóidh sé nó sí don iarraidh tráth nach déanaí ná 7 seachtain tar éis an iarraidh a fháil agus i gcás den sórt sin forléireofar alt 8 (1), agus beidh éifeacht leis, dá réir sin.
(6) Más rud é, i ndáil le hiarraidh a bhfuil feidhm ag an alt seo maidir léi, nach dtoileoidh an Coimisinéir, de bhun fho-alt (5), le neamhchomhlíonadh fho-alt (2), ordóidh sé nó sí don cheann lena mbaineann bearta sonraithe a ghlacadh laistigh de thréimhse shonraithe chun fo-alt (2) a chomhlíonadh agus más rud é, tar éis na bearta sin a ghlacadh laistigh den tréimhse sin nó cibé tréimhse bhreise a shonróidh an Coimisinéir, nach mbeidh an ceann in ann an fo-alt sin a chomhlíonadh, tabharfaidh sé nó sí breith, a luaithe is féidir, i dtaobh cibé acu a ghéillfidh nó a dhiúltóidh sé nó sí don iarraidh.
Taighde agus acmhainní nádúrtha.
30.—(1) Féadfaidh ceann diúltú géilleadh d'iarraidh faoi alt 7 más é tuairim an chinn—
(a) go bhfuil faisnéis sa taifead lena mbaineann i ndáil le taighde atá á dhéanamh nó le déanamh ag comhlacht poiblí nó thar a cheann agus gur dhóigh, dá ndéanfaí an fhaisnéis a nochtadh nó dá ndéanfaí í a nochtadh roimh chríochnú an taighde, go bhféadfaí an comhlacht, aon duine atá nó a bheidh ag déanamh an taighde thar ceann an chomhlachta nó ábhar an taighde a chur faoi mhíbhuntáiste tromaí, nó
(b) go bhféadfaí le réasún a bheith ag súil leis go ndéanfaí dochar, dá ndéanfaí faisnéis atá sa taifead a nochtadh, do dhea-bhail acmhainne cultúir, oidhreachta nó nádúrtha nó do speiceas, nó do ghnáthóg speicis, flora nó fauna.
(2) Níl feidhm ag fo-alt (1) i ndáil le cás inarb é tuairim an chinn lena mbaineann gurbh fhearr, tríd is tríd, a dhéanfaí leas an phobail trí ghéilleadh don iarraidh faoi alt 7 lena mbaineann ná trí dhiúltú géilleadh di.
Leasanna airgeadais agus eacnamaíochta an Stáit agus comhlachtaí poiblí.
31.—(1) Féadfaidh ceann diúltú géilleadh d'iarraidh faoi alt 7 i ndáil le taifead (agus, go háirithe, ach gan dochar do ghinearáltacht an fho-ailt seo thairis sin, i ndáil le taifead a bhfuil feidhm ag fo-alt (2) maidir leis) más é tuairim an chinn—
(a) go bhféadfaí le réasún a bheith ag súil leis, dá dtabharfaí rochtain ar an taifead, go mbeadh droch-éifeacht thromaí aige ar leasanna airgeadais an Stáit nó ar chumas an Rialtais an geilleagar náisiúnta a bhainistiú,
(b) go bhféadfaí le réasún a bheith ag súil leis, dá ndéanfaí faisnéis atá sa taifead a nochtadh go ró-luath, go mbeadh de thoradh air go gcuirfí isteach go míchuí ar ghnáthchúrsa gnó i gcoitinne, nó ar aon aicme áirithe gnó, sa Stát agus, dá dtabharfaí rochtain ar an taifead, go mbeadh, sna himthosca go léir, an fhaisnéis á nochtadh go ró-luath, nó
(c) go bhféadfaí le réasún a bheith ag súil leis, dá dtabharfaí rochtain ar an taifead, gurb é an toradh a bheadh air tairbhe nó caillteanas do dhuine nó d'aicme daoine nach mbeadh ag dul dóibh.
(2) Tá feidhm ag an bhfo-alt seo maidir le taifead a bhaineann le haon cheann de na nithe seo a leanas—
(a) rátaí malairte nó airgeadra an Stáit,
(b) cánacha, dleachtanna ioncaim nó bunaidh eile ioncaim don Stát, d'údarás áitiúil nó d'aon chomhlacht poiblí eile,
(c) rátaí úis,
(d) iasachtaí a fhaigheann an Stát nó comhlacht poiblí nó a fhaightear thar a gceann,
(e) rialáil nó maoirsiú ag an Stát nó thar a cheann, nó ag comhlacht poiblí nó thar a cheann, ar ghnó baincéireachta nó árachais nó ar iasachtú airgid nó gnó eile airgeadais nó ar fhorais nó ar dhaoine eile a bhfuil aon cheann de na gnóthaí réamhráite á gcur i gcrích acu,
(f) déileálacha in urrúis nó in airgeadra coigríche,
(g) rialáil nó rialú ag an Stát nó thar a cheann, nó ag comhlacht poiblí nó thar a cheann, ar phá, ar thuarastail nó ar phraghsanna,
(h) tograí i ndáil le caiteachas ag an Stát nó thar a cheann, nó ag comhlacht poiblí nó thar a cheann, lena n-áirítear rialú, srian nó toirmeasc ar aon chaiteachas den sórt sin,
(i) maoin atá ina sheilbh ag an Stát nó thar a cheann, nó ag comhlacht poiblí nó thar a cheann, agus idirbhearta, nó idirbhearta molta nó beartaithe, a bhfuil maoin den sórt sin i gceist iontu,
(j) infheistíocht choigríche i bhfiontair sa Stát,
(k) forbairt tionscail sa Stát,
(l) trádáil idir daoine sa Stát agus daoine lasmuigh den Stát,
(m) rúin trádála nó faisnéis airgeadais, tráchtála, tionscail, eolaíochta nó theicniúil is leis an Stát nó le comhlacht poiblí agus a bhfuil, nó ar dóigh le réasún go mbeadh, luach substaintiúil leo nó léi,
(n) faisnéis a bhféadfaí le réasún a bheith ag súil leis, dá nochtfaí í, go ndéanfaí dochar do staid iomaíochta comhlachta phoiblí i ndáil le gníomhaíochtaí a bhíonn á seoladh aige ar bhonn tráchtála, nó
(o) dálaí eacnamaíochta nó airgeadais comhlachta phoiblí.
(3) Níl feidhm ag fo-alt (1) i ndáil le cás inarb é tuairim an chinn lena mbaineann gurbh fhearr, tríd is tríd, a dhéanfaí leas an phobail trí ghéilleadh don iarraidh faoi alt 7 lena mbaineann ná trí dhiúltú géilleadh di.
Achtacháin a bhaineann le neamhnochtadh taifead.
32.—(1) Diúltóidh ceann géilleadh d'iarraidh faoi alt 7 más rud é—
(a) go dtoirmisctear le haon achtachán (seachas foráil a shonraítear i gcolún (3) den Tríú Sceideal d'achtachán a shonraítear sa Sceideal sin) an taifead lena mbaineann a nochtadh, nó
(b) go bhfuil neamhnochtadh an taifid údaraithe in imthosca áirithe le haon achtachán den sórt sin agus gur cás é ina ndiúltódh an ceann, de bhun an achtacháin, an taifead a nochtadh.
(2) Déanfaidh comhchoiste de dhá Theach an Oireachtais, má bhíonn sé údaraithe chuige sin ag an dá Theach sin (agus gairtear “an coiste” ina dhiaidh seo san alt seo de choiste den sórt sin a bheidh údaraithe amhlaidh)—
(a) oibriú aon fhorálacha d'aon achtachán lena n-údaraítear nó lena gceanglaítear neamhnochtadh taifid (seachas foráil a shonraítear sa cholún (3) sin) a athbhreithniú ó am go ham chun a fhionnadh an cóir, ag féachaint d'fhorálacha, do chríocha agus do mheon an Achta seo—
(i) aon cheann de na forálacha sin a leasú nó a aisghairm, nó
(ii) tagairt d'aon cheann acu a chur isteach sa cholún (3) sin,
agus
(b) tuarascáil i scríbhinn ar thorthaí an athbhreithnithe réamhráite a ullmhú agus a thabhairt do gach Teach acu sin agus, más cuí leis déanamh amhlaidh, moltaí i ndáil le leasú, le haisghairm nó le leanúint i bhfeidhm aon cheann de na forálacha sin, nó i ndáil le tagairt d'aon cheann acu a chur isteach sa cholún (3) sin, a áireamh sa tuarascáil.
(3) Déanfaidh Aire den Rialtas, de réir fho-alt (6), tuarascálacha i scríbhinn a ullmhú agus a thabhairt don choiste—
(a) ina sonrófar, maidir le haon achtacháin lena dtugtar feidhmeanna don Aire sin den Rialtas, nó do chomhlacht poiblí a bhfuil feidhmeanna i ndáil leis dílsithe don Aire sin den Rialtas, aon fhorálacha de na hachtacháin sin lena n-údaraítear nó lena gceanglaítear neamhnochtadh taifid, agus
(b) ina sonrófar an amhlaidh, i dtuairim an Aire sin den Rialtas agus (i gcás gur cuí sin) aon chomhlachta phoiblí den sórt sin, ar tuairim í ar thángthas uirthi ag féachaint d'fhorálacha, do chríocha agus do mheon an Achta seo—
(i) gur cóir aon cheann de na forálacha dá dtagraítear i mír (a) a leasú nó a aisghairm nó ligean dó leanúint i bhfeidhm, nó
(ii) gur cóir tagairt d'aon cheann acu a chur isteach sa cholún (3) sin,
agus ina leagfar amach na cúiseanna atá leis an tuairim.
(4) Cuirfidh Aire den Rialtas faoi deara cóip de thuarascáil arna hullmhú aige nó aici faoi fho-alt (3) a thabhairt don Choimisinéir agus a leagan faoi bhráid gach Tí den Oireachtas.
(5) Féadfaidh an Coimisinéir, agus déanfaidh sé nó sí, má iarrann an coiste air nó uirthi déanamh amhlaidh, a thuairim nó a tuairim, agus a thátail nó a tátail, i ndáil le tuarascáil faoi fho-alt (3) nó le haon ní atá i dtuarascáil den sórt sin nó a éiríonn aisti, nó le haon ní a bhaineann le hoibriú an ailt seo nó a éiríonn as, a thabhairt don choiste.
(6) Déanfaidh Aire den Rialtas an chéad tuarascáil uaidh nó uaithi faoi fho-alt (3) a thabhairt de réir an fho-ailt sin tráth nach déanaí ná 12 mhí tar éis thosach feidhme an Achta seo agus déanfar tuarascálacha den sórt sin dá éis sin ón Aire sin den Rialtas a thabhairt amhlaidh tráth nach déanaí ná 30 lá tar éis chothrom cúig bliana an lae ar tugadh an tuarascáil is déanaí den sórt sin roimhe sin uaidh nó uaithi.
CUID IV
An Coimisinéir Faisnéise
Oifig an Choimisinéara Faisnéise a bhunú.
33.—(1) Bunaítear leis seo oifig an Choimisinéara Faisnéise agus tabharfar an Coimisinéir Faisnéise ar shealbhóir na hoifige.
(2) Beidh an Coimisinéir neamhspleách i gcomhlíonadh a fheidhmeanna nó a feidhmeanna.
(3) Is é nó is í an tUachtarán a dhéanfaidh duine a cheapadh le bheith mar Choimisinéir, ar chomhairle an Rialtais tar éis do Dháil Éireann agus do Sheanad Éireann rún a rith ag moladh an duine a cheapadh.
(4) (a) Faoi réir mhír (b), beidh éifeacht le forálacha an Dara Sceideal i ndáil leis an gCoimisinéir.
(b) Ní bheidh éifeacht le míreanna 4 agus 5 den Dara Sceideal i gcás gurb é nó gurb í an duine a bheidh i seilbh oifig an Choimisinéara an duine a bheidh i seilbh oifig an Ombudsman freisin.
(5) Ní bheidh feidhm ag alt 2 (6) den Acht Ombudsman, 1980, maidir le duine a bheidh i seilbh oifig an Ombudsman agus a bheidh i seilbh oifig an Choimisinéara freisin.
An Coimisinéir d'athbhreithniú breitheanna.
34.—(1) Tá feidhm ag an alt seo maidir leis na nithe seo a leanas—
(a) breith faoi alt 14, seachas breith dá dtagraítear i mír (c),
(b) breith a shonraítear i mír (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) nó (f) d'alt 14 (1),
(c) breith faoi alt 14, nó breith faoi alt 47, gur cóir táille nó éarlais is mó ná £10 nó cibé méid eile (más ann) a bheidh forordaithe de thuras na huaire a ghearradh faoi alt 47,
(d) breith faoi alt 9 an t-am a fhadú chun iarraidh faoi alt 7 a bhreithniú,
(e) breith faoi alt 11 tabhairt rochtana ar thaifead a thagann faoi réim mhír (b) nó (c) d'fho-alt (1) den alt sin a iarchur, agus
(f) breith maidir le hiarraidh a bhfuil feidhm ag alt 29 maidir léi,
ach gan na nithe seo a leanas a áireamh—
(i) breith mar a dúradh arna tabhairt ag an gCoimisinéir i leith taifid a bheidh i seilbh an Choimisinéara nó (i gcás go mbeidh an duine céanna i seilbh oifig an Ombudsman agus oifig an Choimisinéara) arna tabhairt ag an Ombudsman i leith taifid a bheidh i seilbh an Ombudsman, agus
(ii) breith dá dtagraítear i mír (b), agus breith faoi alt 47 dá dtagraítear i mír (c), arna tabhairt ag duine a raibh an fheidhm lena mbaineann tarmligthe chuige nó chuici faoi alt 4 tráth na breithe a thabhairt.
(2) Faoi réir fhorálacha an Achta seo, féadfaidh an Coimisinéir, ar iarratas chuige sin a bheith déanta chuige nó chuici, i scríbhinn nó i cibé foirm eile a chinnfear, ag duine iomchuí—
(a) athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar bhreith lena mbaineann an t-alt seo, agus
(b) tar éis an athbhreithnithe, féadfaidh sé nó sí, de réir mar is cuí leis nó léi—
(i) an bhreith a dhaingniú nó a athrú, nó
(ii) an bhreith a neamhniú agus, más cuí, cibé breith a thabhairt i ndáil leis an ní lena mbaineann is dóigh leis nó léi is cóir,
de réir an Achta seo.
(3) Tabharfar breith faoi fho-alt (2) a luaithe is féidir agus, a mhéid is indéanta—
(a) i gcás gur le linn na tréimhse 3 bliana ó thosach feidhme an Achta seo a rinneadh an t-iarratas ar an athbhreithniú lena mbaineann, tráth nach déanaí ná 4 mhí tar éis don Choimisinéir an t-iarratas a fháil, agus
(b) i gcás gur tar éis an tréimhse sin a dúradh a bheith caite a rinneadh an t-iarratas ar an athbhreithniú, tráth nach déanaí ná 3 mhí tar éis don Choimisinéir an t-iarratas a fháil.
(4) Déanfar iarratas faoi fho-alt (2)—
(a) má bhaineann sé le breith a shonraítear i mír (d) nó (f) d'fho-alt (1), tráth nach déanaí ná 2 sheachtain tar éis fógra maidir leis an mbreith a thabhairt don duine iomchuí lena mbaineann, agus
(b) má bhaineann sé le haon bhreith eile a shonraítear san fho-alt sin, tráth nach déanaí ná 6 mhí tar éis fógra maidir leis an mbreith a thabhairt don duine iomchuí lena mbaineann nó, i gcás go mbeidh an Coimisinéir den tuairim go bhfuil forais réasúnacha ann chun an tréimhse sin a fhadú, deireadh cibé tréimhse is faide ná sin a chinnfidh sé nó sí.
(5) Féadfaidh duine a dhéanfaidh iarratas faoi fho-alt (2), le fógra i scríbhinn arna thabhairt don Choimisinéir, tráth ar bith sula mbeidh fógra faoi fho-alt (10) i ndáil leis an iarratas tugtha don duine, an t-iarratas a tharraingt siar, agus cuirfidh an Coimisinéir faoi deara cóip d'aon fhógra a bheidh tugtha dó nó di faoin bhfo-alt seo a thabhairt don duine iomchuí, nó don cheann, lena mbaineann, de réir mar is cuí, agus d'aon duine eile ar cóir, i dtuairim an Choimisinéara, í a thabhairt dó nó di.
(6) A luaithe is féidir tar éis don Choimisinéir iarratas faoi fho-alt (2) a fháil, cuirfidh an Coimisinéir faoi deara cóip den iarratas a thabhairt don cheann lena mbaineann, agus, de réir mar is cuí, don duine iomchuí lena mbaineann agus, má bheartaíonn an Coimisinéir an bhreith lena mbaineann a athbhreithniú, cuirfidh sé nó sí faoi deara fógra a thabhairt don cheann agus don duine iomchuí agus d'aon duine eile ar cóir, i dtuairim an Choimisinéara, fógra a thabhairt dó nó di, maidir lena bhfuil beartaithe agus, air sin, tabharfaidh an ceann sonraí don Choimisinéir, i scríbhinn nó i cibé foirm eile a chinnfear, i dtaobh aon daoine a mbeidh fógra maidir leis an iarraidh tugtha aige nó aici dóibh nó, i gcás diúltú géilleadh d'iarraidh a bhfuil feidhm ag alt 29 maidir léi, i dtaobh aon daoine a mbeadh fógra maidir leis an iarraidh tugtha aige nó aici dóibh dá mba rud é go raibh sé ar intinn aige nó aici géilleadh don iarraidh faoi alt 7 lena mbaineann.
(7) I gcás go ndéanfar iarratas faoi fho-alt (2), féadfaidh an Coimisinéir tráth ar bith féachaint le socraíocht a dhéanamh idir na páirtithe lena mbaineann maidir leis an ní lena mbaineann agus féadfaidh sé nó sí, chun na críche sin, d'ainneoin fho-alt (3), an t-athbhreithniú lena mbaineann a chur ar fionraí, ar feadh cibé tréimhse a chomhaontófar leis na páirtithe lena mbaineann agus, más cuí, scor den athbhreithniú sin.
(8) I ndáil le hathbhreithniú beartaithe faoin alt seo, féadfaidh an ceann, agus an duine iomchuí lena mbaineann agus aon duine eile a dtabharfar fógra maidir leis an athbhreithniú dó nó di faoi fho-alt (6), aighneachtaí a dhéanamh (de réir mar a chinnfidh an Coimisinéir, i scríbhinn nó ó bhéal nó i cibé foirm eile a chinnfear) chuig an gCoimisinéir i ndáil le haon ní is iomchuí maidir leis an athbhreithniú agus cuirfidh an Coimisinéir aon aighneachtaí den sórt sin i gcuntas chun críocha an athbhreithnithe.
(9) (a) Féadfaidh an Coimisinéir diúltú géilleadh d'iarratas faoi fho-alt (2) nó scor d'athbhreithniú faoin alt seo má bhíonn sé nó sí den tuairim nó má thagann sé nó sí ar an tuairim—
(i) go bhfuil an t-iarratas sin a dúradh nó an t-iarratas lena mbaineann an t-athbhreithniú (“an t-iarratas”) suaibhreosach nó cráiteach,
(ii) nach mbaineann an t-iarratas le breith a shonraítear i bhfo-alt (1), nó
(iii) go bhfuil, go raibh nó go mbeidh an ní lena mbaineann an t-iarratas ina ábhar d'athbhreithniú eile faoin alt seo.
(b) Nuair a bheidh an Coimisinéir á chinneadh an ndiúltóidh sé nó sí géilleadh d'iarratas faoi fho-alt (2) nó an scoirfidh sé nó sí d'athbhreithniú faoin alt seo, gníomhóidh sé nó sí, faoi réir fhorálacha an Achta seo, de réir a bhreithiúnais nó a breithiúnais féin.
(10) Déanfaidh an Coimisinéir fógra, i scríbhinn nó i cibé foirm eile a chinnfear, maidir le breith faoi fho-alt (2) (b), nó maidir le diúltú nó le scor faoi fho-alt (9), agus maidir leis na cúiseanna atá leis an gcéanna, a thabhairt—
(a) don cheann lena mbaineann,
(b) don duine iomchuí lena mbaineann, agus
(c) d'aon duine eile ar cóir, i dtuairim an Choimisinéara, fógra den sórt sin a thabhairt dó nó di.
(11) (a) Tabharfar an fógra dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (10) a luaithe is féidir tar éis na breithe, an diúltaithe nó an scoir lena mbaineann agus, má bhaineann sé le breith faoi fho-alt (2), a mhéid is indéanta, laistigh den tréimhse a shonraítear i bhfo-alt (3).
(b) Sonrófar i dtuarascáil an Choimisinéara d'aon bhliain faoi alt 40 líon na gcásanna (más ann) sa bhliain sin nach ndearnadh fógra dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (10) i ndáil le breith faoi fho-alt (2) (b) a thabhairt do dhuine a shonraítear i bhfo-alt (10) laistigh den tréimhse chuí a shonraítear i mír (a).
(12) In athbhreithniú faoin alt seo—
(a) toimhdeofar go raibh údar le breith géilleadh d'iarraidh a bhfuil feidhm ag alt 29 maidir léi mura ndéanfaidh an duine lena mbaineann, agus a bhfuil feidhm ag fo-alt (2) den alt sin maidir leis nó léi, a shuíomh, chun sástacht an Choimisinéara, nach raibh údar leis an mbreith, agus
(b) toimhdeofar nach raibh údar le breith diúltú géilleadh d'iarraidh faoi alt 7 mura suífidh an ceann lena mbaineann, chun sástacht an Choimisinéara, go raibh údar leis an mbreith.
(13) I mbreith ón gCoimisinéir tar éis athbhreithnithe faoin alt seo sonrófar, i gcás gur cuí, an tréimhse ar laistigh di a thabharfar éifeacht don bhreith agus, nuair a bheidh an tréimhse sin á socrú, beidh aird ag an gCoimisinéir ar a inmhianaithe atá sé, faoi réir alt 44, éifeacht a thabhairt don bhreith sin a luaithe is féidir tar éis fo-alt (11) a chomhlíonadh i ndáil leis an gcéanna.
(14) Faoi réir fhorálacha an Achta seo, maidir le breith faoi fho-alt (2)—
(a) a mhéid a bheidh sí ar neamhréir leis an mbreith lena mbaineann agus a bhfuil feidhm ag an alt seo maidir léi, beidh éifeacht léi in ionad an chéanna, agus
(b) beidh sí ina ceangal ar na páirtithe lena mbaineann.
(15) San alt seo ciallaíonn “duine iomchuí”, i ndáil le breith a shonraítear i bhfo-alt (1)—
(a) an t-iarrthóir lena mbaineann agus, más breith í i leith iarrata lena mbaineann alt 29, duine a bhfuil feidhm ag fo-alt (2) den alt sin maidir leis nó léi, nó
(b) más breith í faoi alt 17 nó 18, an duine a rinne an t-iarratas lena mbaineann faoin alt sin.
An Coimisinéir do dhéanamh iarrataí ar fhaisnéis bhreise.
35.—(1) Más rud é—
(a) go ndéanfar iarratas ar athbhreithniú ag an gCoimisinéir —
(i) ar bhreith diúltú géilleadh d'iarraidh faoi alt 7, nó
(ii) ar bhreith faoi alt 14 i ndáil le breith dá dtagraítear i bhfomhír (i),
faoi alt 34, agus
(b) go measfaidh an Coimisinéir nach leor an ráiteas maidir leis na cúiseanna atá leis an mbreith dá dtagraítear i mír (a)(i) san fhógra faoi fho-alt (1) d'alt 8 nó maidir leis na fionnachtana nó na sonraí dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (2) (d) (ii) den alt sin i ndáil leis an ní,
ordóidh an Coimisinéir don cheann lena mbaineann ráiteas, i scríbhinn nó i cibé foirm eile a chinnfear, a thabhairt don iarrthóir lena mbaineann agus don Choimisinéir, ar ráiteas é ina mbeidh aon fhaisnéis bhreise i ndáil leis na nithe sin atá faoi chumhacht nó faoi rialú an chinn.
(2) Déanfaidh ceann ordachán faoin alt seo a chomhlíonadh a luaithe is féidir, ach tráth nach déanaí ná 3 sheachtain tar éis é a fháil.
Athbhreithniú ar oibriú an Achta agus imscrúduithe ag an gCoimisinéir.
36.—(1) Coimeádfaidh an Coimisinéir oibriú an Achta seo faoi athbhreithniú agus féadfaidh sé nó sí, faoi réir fho-alt (2), imscrúdú a dhéanamh tráth ar bith ar na cleachtais agus ar na nósanna imeachta a bheidh glactha ag comhlachtaí poiblí i gcoitinne nó ag aon chomhlacht poiblí nó comhlachtaí poiblí áirithe chun—
(a) forálacha an Achta seo i gcoitinne,
(b) aon fhorálacha áirithe den Acht seo,
a chomhlíonadh.
(2) Déanfaidh an Coimisinéir imscrúdú faoi fho-alt (1) (a) i ndáil le comhlachtaí poiblí i gcoitinne tráth nach déanaí ná 3 bliana tar éis thosach feidhme an Achta seo.
(3) Féadfaidh an Coimisinéir tráth ar bith imscrúdú a dhéanamh ar na cleachtais agus ar na nósanna imeachta a bheidh glactha ag comhlachtaí poiblí nó ag aon chomhlacht poiblí nó comhlachtaí poiblí áirithe chun a chumasú do dhaoine na cearta a thugtar leis an Acht seo a fheidhmiú agus chun an feidhmiú sin a éascú.
(4) Féadfaidh an Coimisinéir tráth ar bith tuarascáil a ullmhú, i scríbhinn nó i cibé foirm eile a chinnfear—
(a) maidir lena chuid nó lena cuid fionnachtana agus tátal de thoradh aon fheidhm faoi fho-alt (1) (2) nó (3) a chomhlíonadh, nó
(b) maidir le haon ní a bhaineann le comhlíonadh feidhme den sórt sin nó a éiríonn as an gcéanna.
(5) Cuirfidh an Coimisinéir faoi deara, más cuí leis nó léi déanamh amhlaidh, cóip de thuarascáil faoin alt seo a thabhairt don Aire agus do gach comhlacht poiblí lena mbaineann agus cuirfidh sé nó sí faoi deara cóip den tuarascáil a chur mar fhoscríbhinn leis an gcéad tuarascáil eile faoi alt 40 (1) a ullmhófar tar éis ullmhú na tuarascála céadluaite.
Cumhachtaí an Choimisinéara.
37.—(1) Féadfaidh an Coimisinéir, chun críocha athbhreithniú faoi alt 34 nó imscrúdú faoi alt 36—
(a) a cheangal ar aon duine atá, i dtuairim an Choimisinéara, i seilbh faisnéise, nó a bhfuil taifead faoina chumhacht nó faoina cumhacht nó faoina rialú, is faisnéis nó taifead atá, i dtuairim an Choimisinéara, iomchuí maidir leis na críocha sin a dúradh, aon fhaisnéis nó taifead den sórt sin atá i seilbh nó, de réir mar a bheidh, faoi chumhacht nó faoi rialú an duine sin a thabhairt don Choimisinéir agus, i gcás gur cuí sin, a cheangal ar an duine freastal os a chomhair nó os a comhair chun na críche sin, agus
(b) scrúdú a dhéanamh ar aon taifead is iomchuí, i dtuairim an Choimisinéara, maidir leis an athbhreithniú nó leis an imscrúdú agus cóipeanna in aon fhoirm a dhéanamh den taifead sin nó de shleachta as agus chun na gcríoch sin seilbh a ghlacadh ar aon taifead den sórt sin, é a aistriú ón áitreabh agus é a choinneáil ina sheilbh nó ina seilbh go ceann tréimhse réasúnaí.
(2) Féadfaidh an Coimisinéir, chun críocha athbhreithniú nó imscrúdú den sórt sin mar a dúradh, dul isteach in aon áitreabh atá á áitiú ag comhlacht poiblí agus, ansin—
(a) a cheangal ar aon duine a gheofar san áitreabh cibé faisnéis a bheidh i seilbh an duine agus a theastóidh uaidh nó uaithi le réasún chun na gcríoch a dúradh a thabhairt dó nó di agus aon taifead a bheidh faoi chumhacht nó faoi rialú an duine sin a chur ar fáil dó nó di, ar taifead é is iomchuí, i dtuairim an Choimisinéara, maidir leis na críocha sin, agus
(b) scrúdú a dhéanamh ar aon taifead a chuirfear ar fáil dó nó di mar a dúradh nó a gheofar san áitreabh agus cóipeanna a dhéanamh den taifead sin nó de shleachta as.
(3) Faoi réir fho-alt (4), ní chuirfidh aon achtachán ná riail dlí lena dtoirmisctear nó lena sriantar faisnéis a nochtadh nó a chur in iúl cosc ar dhuine aon fhaisnéis nó taifead den sórt sin mar a dúradh a thabhairt don Choimisinéir.
(4) Beidh duine a mbeidh ceanglas dírithe chuige nó chuici faoin alt seo i dteideal na ndíolúintí agus na bpribhléidí céanna a bheadh ag finné i gcúirt.
(5) Féadfaidh an Coimisinéir, más cuí leis nó léi, íocaíochtaí mar a leanas a íoc le haon duine a dhéanfaidh, chun críocha athbhreithniú faoi alt 34, nó imscrúdú faoi alt 36, freastal os comhair an Choimisinéara nó faisnéis nó taifead nó rud eile a thabhairt dó nó di—
(a) suimeanna i leith caiteachas taistil agus cothaithe a thabhaigh an duine go cuí, agus
(b) liúntais mar chúiteamh as a chuid nó a cuid ama a chailleadh,
ina mbeidh cibé méid a chinnfidh an tAire.
(6) Faoi réir fhorálacha an Achta seo, is é an nós imeachta chun athbhreithniú faoi alt 34 nó imscrúdú faoi alt 36 a sheoladh cibé nós imeachta is cuí leis an gCoimisinéir in imthosca uile an cháis agus, gan dochar don mhéid sin roimhe seo, beidh sé chomh neamhfhoirmiúil agus is féidir ach é a bheith i gcomhréir le comhlíonadh cuí fheidhmeanna an Choimisinéara.
(7) Aon duine a mhainneoidh nó a dhiúltóidh ceanglas faoin alt seo a chomhlíonadh nó a bhacfaidh nó a choiscfidh an Coimisinéir i gcomhlíonadh a fheidhmeanna nó a feidhmeanna faoin alt seo beidh sé nó sí ciontach i gcion agus dlífear, ar é nó í a chiontú go hachomair, fíneáil nach mó ná £1,500 nó príosúnacht ar feadh téarma nach faide ná 6 mhí nó iad araon a chur air nó uirthi.
(8) Níl feidhm ag an alt seo maidir le taifead a bhfuil deimhniú faoi alt 25 i bhfeidhm ina leith.
Spreagfaidh an Coimisinéir comhlachtaí poiblí chun faisnéis a fhoilsiú.
38.—I dteannta na bhfoilseachán dá ndéantar foráil le hailt 15 agus 16, déanfaidh an Coimisinéir comhlachtaí poiblí a chothú agus a spreagadh chun faisnéis is iomchuí nó is díol suime don phobal i gcoitinne a fhoilsiú, ar faisnéis í i ndáil lena gcuid gníomhaíochtaí agus lena gcuid feidhmeanna i gcoitinne.
An Coimisinéir d'fhoilsiú tráchtaireachtaí maidir le feidhm phraiticiúil, etc., an Achta.
39.—Féadfaidh an Coimisinéir tráchtaireachtaí ar fheidhm phraiticiúil agus ar oibriú fhorálacha an Achta seo, nó aon fhorálacha áirithe den Acht seo, a ullmhú agus a fhoilsiú, lena n-áirítear tráchtaireachtaí a bheidh bunaithe ar thaithí shealbhóirí oifig an Choimisinéara i ndáil le hathbhreithnithe, agus i ndáil le breitheanna tar éis athbhreithnithe, de chuid sealbhóirí den sórt sin faoi alt 34.
Tuarascálacha ón gCoimisinéir.
40.—(1) Déanfaidh an Coimisinéir, gach bliain tar éis na bliana ina dtiocfaidh an t-alt seo i ngníomh—
(a) tuarascáil a ullmhú i ndáil lena chuid nó lena cuid gníomhaíochtaí faoin Acht seo sa bhliain roimhe sin, agus
(b) cóip d'aon tuarascáil a thabharfar dó nó di faoi alt 25 (11) a chur mar fhoscríbhinn leis an tuarascáil,
(c) a chur faoi deara cóipeanna den tuarascáil agus d'aon chóip dá dtagraítear i mír (b) a leagan faoi bhráid gach Tí den Oireachtas.
(2) Féadfaidh an Coimisinéir, más cuí leis nó léi déanamh amhlaidh ar mhaithe le leas an phobail nó ar mhaithe le leasanna aon duine, tuarascáil a ullmhú agus a fhoilsiú i ndáil le haon imscrúdú, nó athbhreithniú a bheidh déanta, nó i ndáil le haon fheidhm eile a bheidh comhlíonta, aige nó aici faoin Acht seo nó i ndáil le haon ní a bhaineann le himscrúdú, le hathbhreithniú nó le comhlíonadh den sórt sin nó a éiríonn i gcúrsa imscrúdú, athbhreithniú nó comhlíonadh den sórt sin.
CUID V
Ilghnéitheach
Breitheanna a mheasfar a bheith tugtha i gcásanna áirithe.
41.—(1) I gcás nach ndéanfar fógra maidir le breith faoi alt 8 nó 17 a thabhairt don iarrthóir lena mbaineann nó don duine a rinne an t-iarratas lena mbaineann faoi alt 17 roimh dhul in éag don tréimhse a shonraítear chun na críche sin in alt 8 nó 17, de réir mar a bheidh, measfar, chun críocha an Achta seo, gur tugadh breith ag diúltú géilleadh don iarraidh faoi alt 7, nó don iarratas faoi alt 17, ar an dul in éag sin agus gur duine a raibh na feidhmeanna iomchuí tarmligthe chuige nó chuici faoi alt 4 a thug í.
(2) I gcás nach ndéanfar fógra maidir le breith faoi alt 14 a thabhairt don duine a rinne an t-iarratas lena mbaineann faoin alt sin roimh dhul in éag don tréimhse a shonraítear i bhfo-alt (4) den chéanna, measfar, chun críocha an Achta seo, gur tugadh breith ag daingniú na breithe lena mbaineann an t-iarratas ar an dul in éag sin.
(3) I gcás nach ndéanfar ráiteas faoi fho-alt (1), nó fógra maidir le breith faoi fho-alt (4), d'alt 18 a thabhairt don duine a rinne an t-iarratas faoin bhfo-alt (1) sin lena mbaineann roimh dhul in éag don tréimhse a shonraítear chun na críche sin san fho-alt (1) nó (4) sin, de réir mar a bheidh, measfar, chun críocha an Achta seo, gur tugadh breith ag diúltú géilleadh don iarratas ar an dul in éag sin agus gur duine a raibh na feidhmeanna iomchuí tarmligthe chuige nó chuici faoi alt 4 a thug í.
Achomharc chun na hArd-Chúirte.
42.—(1) Féadfaidh páirtí in athbhreithniú faoi alt 34 nó aon duine eile a ndéanann breith an Choimisinéara tar éis athbhreithniú den sórt sin difear dó nó di achomharc a dhéanamh chun na hArd-Chúirte ar phonc dlí i gcoinne na breithe.
(2) Féadfaidh an t-iarrthóir lena mbaineann nó aon duine eile a ndéanann—
(a) eisiúint deimhnithe faoi alt 25,
(b) breith, de bhun alt 8, diúltú géilleadh d'iarraidh faoi alt 7 i ndáil le taifead is ábhar don deimhniú sin, nó
(c) breith, de bhun alt 14, diúltú géilleadh d'iarraidh den sórt sin, nó seasamh le breith diúltú géilleadh d'iarraidh den sórt sin,
difear dó nó di, achomharc a dhéanamh chun na hArd-Chúirte ar phonc dlí i gcoinne na heisiúna sin nó i gcoinne na breithe sin.
(3) Féadfaidh duine achomharc a dhéanamh chun na hArd-Chúirte—
(a) i gcoinne breithe faoi alt 14, nó
(b) i gcoinne breithe a shonraítear i mír (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) nó (g) d'fho-alt (1) den alt sin (seachas breith den sórt sin arna tabhairt ag duine a raibh an fheidhm tarmligthe chuige nó chuici faoi alt 4 tráth na breithe a thabhairt),
arna tabhairt ag an gCoimisinéir i leith taifid a bheidh i seilbh Oifig an Choimisinéara nó (i gcás go mbeidh an duine céanna i seilbh oifig an Ombudsman agus oifig an Choimisinéara) arna tabhairt ag an Ombudsman i leith taifid a bheidh i seilbh Oifig an Ombudsman.
(4) Déanfar achomharc faoi fho-alt (1), (2) nó (3) a thionscnamh tráth nach déanaí ná 4 sheachtain tar éis fógra maidir leis an mbreith lena mbaineann a thabhairt don duine a bheidh ag tionscnamh an achomhairc.
(5) Féadfaidh an Coimisinéir aon cheist dlí a éireoidh in athbhreithniú faoi alt 34 a tharchur chuig an Ard-Chúirt lena cinneadh, agus féadfaidh an Coimisinéir déanamh breithe tar éis an athbhreithnithe a chur siar go dtí cibé tráth is cuí leis nó léi tar éis chinneadh na hArd-Chúirte.
(6) (a) I gcás go ndéanfaidh an Ard-Chúirt achomharc faoin alt seo ó dhuine, seachas ó cheann, a dhíbhe, féadfaidh an Chúirt sin, má mheasann sí gur ghabh tábhacht phoiblí eisceachtúil leis an bponc dlí lena mbaineann, a ordú go ndéanfaidh an comhlacht poiblí lena mbaineann cuid de chostais an duine i ndáil leis an achomharc, nó iad go léir, a íoc.
(b) Féadfaidh an Ard-Chúirt a ordú go ndéanfaidh an comhlacht poiblí lena mbaineann cuid de chostais duine (seachas ceann) i ndáil le tarchur faoin alt seo, nó iad go léir, a íoc.
(7) Maidir le breith ón Ard-Chúirt tar éis achomhairc faoi fho-alt (1), (2) nó (3), sonrófar inti, i gcás gur cuí sin, an tréimhse ar laistigh di a thabharfar éifeacht don bhreith.
(8) Is breith chríochnaitheach dhochloíte breith na hArd-Chúirte ar achomharc nó ar tharchur faoin alt seo.
Réamhchúraimí ag an Ard-Chúirt agus ag an gCoimisinéir in aghaidh faisnéis áirithe a nochtadh.
43.—(1) In imeachtaí san Ard-Chúirt faoin Acht seo nó i ndáil leis an Acht seo, glacfaidh an Chúirt sin gach réamhchúram réasúnach chun cosc a chur leis na nithe seo a leanas a nochtadh don phobal nó, más cuí, do pháirtí (seachas ceann) sna himeachtaí—
(a) faisnéis atá i dtaifead díolmhaithe, nó
(b) faisnéis i dtaobh taifead a bheith ann nó gan a bheith ann i gcás go gceanglaítear leis an Acht seo ar an gceann lena mbaineann gan a nochtadh an ann nó nach ann don taifead.
(2) Gan dochar do ghinearáltacht fho-alt (1), féadfaidh na nithe seo a leanas a bheith san áireamh sna réamhchúraimí faoin bhfo-alt sin—
(a) iomlán aon imeachtaí den sórt sin mar a dúradh, nó cuid díobh, a éisteacht ar shlí seachas go poiblí,
(b) toirmeasc a chur le foilsiú aon fhaisnéise den sórt sin i ndáil le haon imeachtaí a chinnfidh sí, lena n-áirítear faisnéis i ndáil leis na páirtithe sna himeachtaí agus faisnéis i ndáil lena bhfuil in orduithe arna ndéanamh ag an Ard-Chúirt sna himeachtaí, agus
(c) scrúdú a dhéanamh ar thaifead nó ar chóip de thaifead gan rochtain ar an gcéanna nó faisnéis maidir leis an gcéanna a thabhairt do pháirtí (seachas ceann) sna himeachtaí.
(3) Déanfaidh an Coimisinéir, le linn dó nó di a fheidhmeanna nó a feidhmeanna faoin Acht seo a chomhlíonadh, gach réamhchúram réasúnach a ghlacadh (lena n-áirítear an t-iomlán nó cuid d'athbhreithniú faoi alt 34 nó d'imscrúdú faoi alt 36 a sheoladh ar shlí seachas go poiblí) chun cosc a chur le faisnéis a shonraítear i mír (a) nó (b) d'fho-alt (1) a nochtadh don phobal nó, i gcás athbhreithniú den sórt sin, do pháirtí (seachas ceann) sna himeachtaí lena mbaineann.
Bac ar bhreitheanna áirithe.
44.—(1) Tá feidhm ag an alt seo—
(a) maidir le breith géilleadh d'iarraidh a bhfuil feidhm ag alt 29 maidir léi, agus
(b) maidir le breith faoi alt 34.
(2) Ní thabharfar éifeacht do bhreith a bhfuil feidhm ag an alt seo maidir léi—
(a) roimh dhul in éag don tréimhse ama—
(i) chun iarratas a dhéanamh go ndéanfar athbhreithniú ar an mbreith faoi alt 34, nó
(ii) chun achomharc chun na hArd-Chúirte a thionscnamh i gcoinne na breithe,
de réir mar is cuí,
nó
(b) más rud é go ndéanfar iarratas nó go dtionscnófar achomharc den sórt sin, roimh an gcéanna a chinneadh nó a tharraingt siar,
cibé acu is déanaí.
Díolúine ó imeachtaí dlíthiúla.
45.—(1) Tá feidhm ag an alt seo—
(a) maidir le gníomh arb éard é géilleadh nó géilleadh go páirteach faoi alt 8 nó de bhua alt 14 nó 34, d'iarraidh faoi alt 7,
(b) maidir le gníomh arb éard é ráiteas a shonraítear in alt 18 a thabhairt do dhuine faoin alt sin, nó
(c) maidir le gníomh arb éard é doiciméad a shonraítear in alt 15 nó 16 a fhoilsiú faoin alt sin,
ar gníomh é a ceanglaíodh nó a údaraíodh leis an Acht seo agus a chomhlíon forálacha an Achta seo nó ar chreid an ceann lena mbaineann le réasún gur ceanglaíodh nó gur údaraíodh amhlaidh é agus gur chomhlíon sé forálacha an Achta seo.
(2) Faoi réir fhorálacha an ailt seo, ní bheidh aon ábhar imeachtaí sibhialta nó coiriúla ann in aon chúirt—
(a) ina gcoinne seo a leanas—
(i) an Stát,
(ii) comhlacht poiblí,
(iii) ceann,
(iv) stiúrthóir ar chomhlacht poiblí nó comhalta d'fhoireann comhlachta phoiblí, nó
(v) duine a sholáthraíonn seirbhís do chomhlacht poiblí faoi chonradh le haghaidh seirbhísí leis an gcomhlacht,
i leith gnímh a bhfuil feidhm ag an alt seo maidir leis nó i leith iarmhairtí aon ghnímh den sórt sin, nó
(b) i gcoinne údair taifid lena mbaineann gníomh a shonraítear i bhfo-alt (1) (a) nó i gcoinne aon duine eile i leith aon fhoilsiú a ghabhann leis an ngníomh sin nó a éiríonn as an ngníomh sin de bhrí gur sholáthair an t-údar sin nó an duine eile sin an taifead don chomhlacht poiblí.
(3) Níl feidhm ag fo-alt (2) i ndáil le himeachtaí maidir le sárú dualgais a fhorchuirtear le halt 16.
(4) Ní bheidh aon ábhar imeachtaí sibhialta nó coiriúla ann in aon chúirt i gcoinne an Choimisinéara nó comhalta d'fhoireann an Choimisinéara i leith aon ní a deir nó a dhéanann an Coimisinéir nó an comhalta de mheon macánta i gcúrsa comhlíonadh nó comhlíonadh airbheartaithe feidhme de chuid an Choimisinéara nó de chuid an chomhalta.
(5) Má ghéilltear d'iarraidh faoi alt 7, ní ghlacfar leis sin mar ní is ionann agus údarú nó ceadú—
(a) chun críocha an dlí a bhaineann le clúmhilleadh nó le sárú rúndachta, go ndéanfadh an t-iarrthóir lena mbaineann nó aon duine eile an taifead lena mbaineann nó aon fhaisnéis atá sa taifead sin a fhoilsiú,
(b) chun críocha dhlí an chóipchirt, go ndéanfadh an t-iarrthóir lena mbaineann aon ghníomh a chuimsítear sa chóipcheart—
(i) in aon saothar litríochta, saothar drámaíochta, saothar ceoil nó saothar ealaíne,
(ii) in aon fhuaimthaifeadadh, scannán cineamatagrafach, craoladh teilifíse nó fuaimchraoladh, nó
(iii) in eagrán foilsithe de shaothar litríochta, de shaothar drámaíochta, de shaothar ceoil nó de shaothar ealaíne, atá sa taifead lena mbaineann, nó
(c) chun críocha an Achta um Chosaint Taibheoirí, 1968, go ndéanfadh an t-iarrthóir lena mbaineann, i ndáil le haon taifead nó scannán cineamatagrafach (de réir bhrí, i ngach cás, an Achta sin) atá sa taifead lena mbaineann, aon ghníomh a thoirmisctear leis an Acht sin.
(6) Aon fhocail nó abairtí a úsáidtear i bhfomhír (i), (ii) nó (iii) d'fho-alt (5) (b) agus a úsáidtear freisin san Acht Cóipchirt, 1963, tá na bríonna céanna leo sna fomhíreanna sin atá leo san Acht sin.
Srian leis an Acht.
46.—(1) Níl feidhm ag an Acht seo—
(a) maidir le taifead atá ina seilbh acu seo a leanas:
(i) na cúirteanna,
(ii) binse a gcuirtear an Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act, 1921, chun feidhme ina leith, nó
(iii) binse seirbhíse de réir bhrí alt 161 den Acht Cosanta, 1954,
agus a bhaineann le cúirt nó le binse den sórt sin nó le himeachtaí i gcúirt nó i mbinse den sórt sin, seachas—
(I) taifead a bhaineann le himeachtaí i gcúirt nó i mbinse den sórt sin arna seoladh go poiblí ach nach ndearna an chúirt nó an binse é a chruthú agus nach bhfuil a nochtadh don phobal i gcoitinne toirmiscthe ag an gcúirt nó ag an mbinse, nó
(II) taifead a bhaineann le riarachán ginearálta na gcúirteanna nó oifigí na gcúirteanna nó le riarachán ginearálta binse den sórt sin nó aon oifigí de chuid binse den sórt sin,
(b) maidir le taifead a shealbhaíonn nó a chruthaigh an tArd-Aighne nó an Stiúrthóir Ionchúiseamh Poiblí nó Oifig an Ard-Aighne nó an Stiúrthóra Ionchúiseamh Poiblí (seachas taifead a bhaineann le riarachán ginearálta ceachtar de na hOifigí sin),
(c) maidir le taifead a bhaineann leis na nithe seo a leanas—
(ii) iniúchadh, cigireacht nó scrúdú arna dhéanamh nó arna déanamh ag an Ard-Reachtaire Cuntas agus Ciste faoi Achtanna an Ard-Reachtaire Cuntas agus Ciste, 1923 agus 1993, agus faoi na Exchequer and Audit Department Acts, 1866 and 1921, nó faoi aon achtachán eile, nó
(iii) imscrúdú nó scrúdú arna dhéanamh ag an Ombudsman faoin Acht Ombudsman, 1980,
seachas—
(I) taifead den sórt sin a cruthaíodh roimh thosach an athbhreithnithe, an imscrúdaithe, an iniúchta, na cigireachta nó an scrúdaithe réamhráite, nó
(II) taifead a bhaineann le riarachán ginearálta Oifig an Choimisinéara, Oifig an Ard-Reachtaire Cuntas agus Ciste nó Oifig an Ombudsman,
(d) maidir le taifead a bhaineann leis an Uachtarán,
(e) maidir le taifead a bhaineann le haon cheann de pháipéir phríobháideacha (de réir bhrí Airteagal 15.10 den Bhunreacht) chomhalta de cheachtar Teach den Oireachtas nó le doiciméad oifigiúil de chuid ceachtar Teach den Oireachtas nó den dá Theach acu sin a gceanglaítear déileáil leis i modh rúin le rialacha nó le buan-orduithe ceachtar Teach acu sin nó an dá Theach sin, nó
(f) maidir le taifead a bhaineann le faisnéis a bhféadfaí le réasún a bheith ag súil leis, dá nochtfaí í, go léireofaí, nó go dtiocfadh de go léireofaí—
(i) céannacht duine a chuir faisnéis ar fáil do chomhlacht poiblí i modh rúin i ndáil le forfheidhmiú an dlí choiriúil, nó
(ii) aon fhoinse eile faisnéise den sórt sin a cuireadh ar fáil i modh rúin do chomhlacht poiblí.
(2) Faoi réir fho-alt (3), níl feidhm ag an Acht seo—
(a) maidir le taifead atá ar fáil lena iniúchadh ag daoine den phobal cibé acu ar tháille a íoc nó saor in aisce, nó
(b) maidir le taifead a bhfuil cóip de ar fáil lena ceannach nó lena tabhairt chun siúil saor in aisce ag daoine den phobal,
de bhua achtacháin (seachas an tAcht seo) nó ar shlí eile.
(3) Ní bheidh taifead faoi réim fho-alt (2) de bhíthin amháin go bhfuil faisnéis ann arb éard í sonraí pearsanta a bhfuil feidhm ag an Acht um Chosaint Sonraí, 1988, maidir leo.
Táillí.
47.—(1) Faoi réir fhorálacha an ailt seo, déanfaidh an comhlacht poiblí lena mbaineann táille de cibé méid is cuí ag féachaint d'fhorálacha an ailt seo a ghearradh agus déanfaidh an t-iarrthóir lena mbaineann í a íoc leis an gcomhlacht i leith géilleadh d'iarraidh faoi alt 7.
(2) Faoi réir fhorálacha an ailt seo, beidh méid táille faoin alt seo—
(a) comhionann leis an gcostas measta a ghabhann leis an taifead lena mbaineann a chuardach agus a aisghabháil, agus
(b) comhionann le costas measta aon chóip den taifead arna déanamh ag an gcomhlacht poiblí lena mbaineann don iarrthóir lena mbaineann,
de réir mar a chinnfidh an ceann lena mbaineann.
(3) Chun críocha fho-alt (2)—
(a) déanfar méid an chostais a ghabhann le taifead a chuardach agus a aisghabháil a ríomh de réir ráta cibé méid san uair an chloig a bheidh forordaithe de thuras na huaire i leith an ama a bheidh caite, nó ba chóir, i dtuairim an chinn lena mbaineann, a bheith caite, ag gach duine lena mbaineann le linn dó nó di an cuardach agus an aisghabháil a dhéanamh go héifeachtúil, agus
(b) ní mó méid an chostais a shonraítear i bhfo-alt (2) (b) ná cibé méid (más ann) a bheidh forordaithe de thuras na huaire agus beidh cinneadh an méid sin de réir aon fhorálacha a bheidh forordaithe de thuras na huaire i ndáil leis an gcinneadh sin.
(4) Más rud é nach mbeidh sa taifead nó sna taifid lena mbaineann ach faisnéis phearsanta i ndáil leis an iarrthóir lena mbaineann, ansin, le linn méid na táille faoi fho-alt (1) a ríomh—
(a) tabharfar neamhaird ar mhír (a) d'fho-alt (2) mura rud é go mbaineann an géilleadh lena mbaineann le líon suntasach taifead, agus
(b) tabharfar neamhaird ar mhír (b) den fho-alt sin más rud é, i dtuairim an chinn lena mbaineann, nach mbeadh sé réasúnach, ag féachaint d'acmhainn an iarrthóra agus do chineál an taifid lena mbaineann, an costas a shonraítear sa mhír sin a áireamh sa ríomh.
(5) Féadfaidh ceann méid na táille nó na héarlaise faoi fho-alt (1) nó (7) a laghdú nó a tharscaoileadh más dóigh leis nó léi go mbeadh cuid den fhaisnéis nó an fhaisnéis go léir atá sa taifead lena mbaineann ina cúnamh ar leith chun saincheist a bhfuil tábhacht náisiúnta léi a thuiscint.
(6) Ní ghearrfar táille faoi fho-alt (1) más rud é, i dtuairim an chinn lena mbaineann, go mbeadh an costas a ghabhann leis an táille a bhailiú agus le cuntas a thabhairt ina leith, mar aon le haon chostais riaracháin eile a thabhóidh an comhlacht poiblí lena mbaineann i ndáil leis an táille, níos mó ná méid na táille.
(7) Más rud é, i dtuairim an chinn lena mbaineann, gur dócha go mbeadh an costas measta, de réir mar a chinnfidh an ceann, a ghabhann le taifead is ábhar d'iarraidh faoi alt 7 a chuardach agus a aisghabháil níos mó ná £40 nó cibé méid eile a bheidh cinnte de thuras na huaire—
(a) déanfaidh an comhlacht poiblí lena mbaineann éarlais de cibé méid a chinnfidh an ceann (ar méid é nach lú ná 20 faoin gcéad den chostas sin) a ghearradh agus déanfaidh an t-iarrthóir lena mbaineann í a íoc leis an gcomhlacht,
(b) ní thosóidh an comhlacht an próiseas chun taifead a chuardach agus a aisghabháil go dtí go mbeidh an éarlais íoctha, agus
(c) déanfaidh an ceann, tráth nach déanaí ná 2 sheachtain tar éis an iarraidh réamhráite a fháil, a chur faoi deara iarraidh i scríbhinn ar íoc na héarlaise a thabhairt don iarrthóir agus beidh sa doiciméad meastachán ar an bhfad ama a thógfaidh an próiseas chun an taifead a chuardach agus a aisghabháil agus ráiteas á rá nach gcuirfear tús leis an bpróiseas go dtí go mbeidh an éarlais íoctha agus go ndéanfar an dáta a dtabharfar breith i ndáil leis an iarraidh a chinneadh faoi threoir dháta na híocaíochta sin.
(8) I gcás a bhfuil feidhm ag fo-alt (7) maidir leis, déanfaidh an ceann lena mbaineann, má iarrann an t-iarrthóir lena mbaineann amhlaidh air nó uirthi—
(a) a shonrú dó nó di na leasuithe (más ann) ar an iarraidh faoi alt 7 lena mbaineann a mbeadh d'éifeacht leo, dá ndéanfaí iad, an éarlais is iníoctha faoin bhfo-alt sin a laghdú nó a chealú, agus
(b) i gcás go sonrófar leasuithe faoi mhír (a), cibé leasuithe acu (más ann) a chinnfidh an t-iarrthóir a dhéanamh ar an iarraidh.
(9) Más rud é go n-íocfar éarlais faoi fho-alt (7), déanfar méid na táille faoi fho-alt (1) is iníoctha i leith géilleadh don iarraidh faoi alt 7 lena mbaineann a laghdú de mhéid na héarlaise.
(10) Más rud é go n-íocfar éarlais faoi fho-alt (7) agus, ina dhiaidh sin, go ndiúltófar géilleadh don iarraidh faoi alt 7 lena mbaineann nó nach ngéillfear di ach amháin i ndáil le cuid den taifead lena mbaineann, déanfar méid na héarlaise nó, más rud é go mbeidh táille faoin alt seo iníoctha i leith géilleadh di, an oiread sin (más ann) den mhéid sin ar mó é ná méid na táille, a aisíoc leis an iarrthóir lena mbaineann.
(11) Más rud é go n-íocfar táille nó éarlais faoin alt seo agus, ina dhiaidh sin, go ndéanfar an táille nó an éarlais a neamhniú nó a athrú faoi alt 14, 34 nó 42, déanfar méid na táille nó na héarlaise arna neamhniú amhlaidh nó, de réir mar a bheidh, aon mhéid den chéanna is mó ná méid an chéanna arna athrú amhlaidh, a aisíoc leis an iarrthóir lena mbaineann.
(12) Forléireofar alt 8 (1) agus beidh éifeacht leis—
(a) i ndáil le cás ina mbeidh éarlais iníoctha faoi fho-alt (7), amhail is dá mba é a bhí sa tagairt do 4 sheachtain tagairt do thréimhse arb éard í 4 sheachtain mar aon leis an tréimhse ón iarraidh faoi fho-alt (7) lena mbaineann a thabhairt don iarrthóir lena mbaineann go dtí an dáta a bhfaighfear an éarlais,
(b) i ndáil le cás ina ndéanfar éarlais den sórt sin a neamhniú tar éis athbhreithniú faoi alt 14 nó 34 nó tar éis achomhairc faoi alt 42, amhail is dá mba é a bhí sa tagairt do 4 sheachtain tagairt do thréimhse arb éard í 4 sheachtain mar aon leis an tréimhse ón iarraidh faoi fho-alt (7) lena mbaineann a thabhairt don iarrthóir lena mbaineann go dtí dáta na breithe faoi alt 42 nó, de réir mar a bheidh, go dtí an dáta a dtabharfar fógra faoi alt 14 nó 34 maidir leis an mbreith don iarrthóir lena mbaineann, agus
(c) i ndáil le cás ina mbeidh d'éifeacht le leasú de bhun fho-alt (8) éarlais den sórt sin a chealú, amhail is dá mba thagairt don leasú a dhéanamh an tagairt d'iarraidh a fháil faoin alt sin.
(13) Ní bheidh feidhm ag an Public Offices Fees Act, 1879, maidir le táillí faoin alt seo.
Leasú ar an Acht um Rúin Oifigiúla, 1963.
48.—(1) Aon duine a bheidh údaraithe, nó a chreidfidh le réasún go bhfuil sé nó sí údaraithe, leis an Acht seo chun faisnéis oifigiúil a chur i bhfios do dhuine eile, measfar, chun críocha alt 4 den Acht um Rúin Oifigiúla, 1963, go bhfuil sé nó sí údaraithe go cuí chun an fhaisnéis sin a chur i bhfios.
(2) In ionchúiseamh mar gheall ar chion faoi alt 5 nó 9 den Acht sin, is cosaint é a chruthú, maidir leis an ngníomh lena mbaineann an cúiseamh sa chion, go bhfuil sé údaraithe, nó go gcreideann an duine a chúiseofar, le réasún, go bhfuil sé údaraithe, leis an Acht seo.
AN CHÉAD SCEIDEAL
Comhlachtaí Poiblí
1. Is comhlacht poiblí gach ceann díobh seo a leanas chun críocha an Achta seo:
(1) An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Foraoiseachta,
An Roinn Ealaíon, Cultúir agus Gaeltachta,
An Roinn Cosanta,
An Roinn Oideachais,
An Roinn Fiontar agus Fostaíochta,
An Roinn Comhshaoil,
An Roinn Comhionannais agus Athchóirithe Dlí,
An Roinn Airgeadais,
An Roinn Gnóthaí Eachtracha,
An Roinn Sláinte,
An Roinn Dlí agus Cirt (lena n-áirítear an tSeirbhís Phromhaidh agus Leasa),
Roinn na Mara,
An Roinn Leasa Shóisialaigh,
Roinn an Taoisigh,
An Roinn Turasóireachta agus Trádála,
An Roinn Iompair, Fuinnimh agus Cumarsáide,
Oifig an Tánaiste,
Oifig an Ard-Aighne.
(2) Bord na nArm-Phinsean,
An Bord Seirbhíse Fuilaistriúcháin,
Bord Leabharlann Náisiúnta na hÉireann
Bord Ard-Mhúsaem na hÉireann,
An Bord Pleanála,
An Bord um Chinsireacht Foilseachán,
An Phríomh-Oifig Staidrimh,
Coimisinéirí na Státseirbhíse,
An Coimisiún Logainmneacha,
Comhairle na Nimheanna,
Comhairle na nOspidéal,
Coimisinéirí na dTabhartas agus na dTiomnachtaí
Carthanúla,
An Oifig um Chlárú Cuideachtaí,
An tÚdarás Iomaíochta,
Coimisinéirí na nOibreacha Poiblí,
Óglaigh na hÉireann,
An Ghníomhaireacht um Chomhionannas Fostaíochta,
Seirbhís Eolais an Chomhshaoil,
An Ghníomhaireacht um Chaomhnú Comhshaoil,
Seirbhísí Eolais an Rialtais,
An Chomhairle Oidhreachta,
Coimisiún na hÉireann — na Stát Aontaithe um Malartú
Oideachasúil,
Coimisiún Lámhscríbhinní na hÉireann,
Bord Leigheasra na hÉireann,
Comhairle Spóirt na hÉireann,
Clárlann na Talún,
Na Coimisinéirí um Cheapacháin Áitiúla,
An Chartlann Náisiúnta,
An Chomhairle um an gCartlann Náisiúnta,
An Chomhairle Náisiúnta Curaclaim agus Measúnachta,
Dánlann Náisiúnta na hÉireann,
Oifig na gCoimisinéirí Achomhairc chun críocha na nAchtanna Cánach,
Oifig an Phríomh-Dhochtúra don Státseirbhís,
Oifig an Choimisinéara,
Oifig Choimisinéir Luachála agus Suirbhéir Teorann na hÉireann,
Oifig an Ard-Reachtaire Cuntas agus Ciste,
Oifig an Stiúrthóra Gnóthaí Tomhaltóirí,
Oifig an Stiúrthóra Ionchúiseamh Poiblí,
Oifig Thithe an Oireachtais,
Oifig Scrúdóir Oifigiúil na Scannán,
Oifig an Ombudsman,
Oifig Chláraitheoir na gCara-Chumann,
Oifig na bPaitinní,
An Bord Pinsean,
An Coimisiún um Oifigí Poiblí,
Clárlann na nGníomhas,
Na Coimisinéirí Ioncaim,
An Oifig Achomhairc Leasa Shóisialaigh,
An tSaotharlann Stáit.
(3) údarás áitiúil.
(4) bord sláinte.
(5) aon chomhlacht, eagraíocht nó grúpa a bheidh forordaithe de thuras na huaire, le toiliú cibé Aire eile (más ann) den Rialtas is cuí leis an Aire ag féachaint d'fheidhmeanna an Aire eile sin den Rialtas, agus arb éard a bheidh ann—
(a) an Garda Síochána,
(b) comhlacht, eagraíocht nó grúpa a bunaíodh—
(i) le haon achtachán nó faoi aon achtachán (seachas Achtanna na gCuideachtaí, 1963 go 1990) nó le haon scéim nó faoi aon scéim arna riaradh ag Aire den Rialtas,
nó
(ii) faoi Achtanna na gCuideachtaí, 1963 go 1990, de bhun cumhachtaí a thugtar le hachtachán eile nó faoi achtachán eile, agus a mhaoinítear go hiomlán nó go páirteach, cibé acu go díreach nó go neamhdhíreach, le hairgead arna sholáthar, nó le hiasachtaí arna ndéanamh nó arna ráthú, ag Aire den Rialtas nó le heisiúint scaireanna arna sealbhú ag Aire den Rialtas nó thar ceann Aire den Rialtas,
(c) aon chomhlacht, eagraíocht nó grúpa eile a mhaoinítear mar a dúradh,
(d) cuideachta (de réir bhrí Acht na gCuideachtaí, 1963) a bhfuil tromlach de na scaireanna inti á shealbhú ag Aire den Rialtas nó thar ceann Aire den Rialtas,
(e) aon chomhlacht, eagraíocht nó grúpa eile a bheidh ceaptha ag an Rialtas nó ag Aire den Rialtas,
(f) faoi réir mhír (2), aon chomhlacht, eagraíocht nó grúpa eile a bhfuil feidhmeanna i ndáil leis an bpobal i gcoitinne nó le haicme den phobal i gcoitinne tugtha dó nó di le haon achtachán, nó
(g) fochomhlacht de chuid comhlachta, eagraíochta nó grúpa a shonraítear in aon cheann de na forálacha sin roimhe seo den fhomhír seo.
2. Ní comhlacht poiblí comhlacht, eagraíocht nó grúpa a bheidh forordaithe de bhun rialachán chun críocha chlásal (f) de mhír 1 (5) ach amháin i leith feidhmeanna dá dtagraítear sa chlásal sin.
3. Féadfaidh an tAire, le toiliú cibé Aire eile (más ann) den Rialtas is cuí leis an Aire ag féachaint d'fheidhmeanna an Aire eile sin den Rialtas, fomhír (2) de mhír 1 a leasú, le rialacháin, trí thagairt d'aon chomhlacht poiblí a scriosadh.
4. Déanfar tagairt i bhfomhír (1) de mhír 1 d'aon Roinn áirithe Stáit a fhorléiriú—
(a) mar thagairt a fholaíonn tagairt do chomhlacht, d'eagraíocht nó do ghrúpa a shonraítear i ndáil leis an Roinn Stáit sin sa Sceideal a ghabhann leis an Acht Airí agus Rúnaithe, 1924 (nach comhlacht poiblí é a shonraítear i bhfomhír (2) den mhír sin), agus
(b) mar thagairt nach bhfolaíonn aon chomhlacht, eagraíocht nó grúpa eile.
AN DARA SCEIDEAL
An Coimisinéir Faisnéise
1. Faoi réir fhorálacha an Sceidil seo, beidh aon duine a cheapfar mar Choimisinéir i seilbh oifige go ceann téarma 6 bliana agus féadfar é nó í a athcheapadh chun na hoifige don dara téarma nó do théarma dá éis.
2. Aon duine a cheapfar mar Choimisinéir—
(a) féadfaidh an tUachtarán, ar an duine féin á iarraidh sin, é nó í a scaoileadh ó oifig,
(b) féadfaidh an tUachtarán é nó í a chur as oifig ach ní chuirfear as oifig é nó í ach amháin mar gheall ar mhí-iompar sonraithe, éagumas nó féimheacht ná ansin féin ach tar éis do Dháil Éireann agus do Sheanad Éireann rúin a rith ag éileamh é nó í a chur as oifig,
(c) éireoidh sé nó sí as oifig ar chaoi ar bith ar 67 mbliana d'aois a shlánú.
3. (1) Más rud é, i gcás duine a shealbhaíonn oifig an Choimisinéara—
(a) go n-ainmneofar é nó í mar chomhalta de Sheanad Éireann,
(b) go dtoghfar é nó í mar chomhalta de cheachtar Teach den Oireachtas nó d'údarás áitiúil nó chun Parlaimint na hEorpa, nó
(c) go measfar, de bhun alt 15 (a cuireadh isteach leis an Acht um Thoghcháin do Pharlaimint na hEorpa, 1993) den Acht um Thoghcháin do Thionól na hEorpa, 1977, é nó í a bheith tofa chun Parlaimint na hEorpa chun folúntas a líonadh,
scoirfidh sé nó sí, air sin, de bheith ina Choimisinéir nó ina Coimisinéir.
(2) Duine a bheidh de thuras na huaire i dteideal faoi bhuanorduithe ceachtar Tí den Oireachtas suí sa Teach sin nó is comhalta de Pharlaimint na hEorpa nó d'údarás áitiúil, beidh sé nó sí, fad a bheidh sé nó sí i dteideal amhlaidh nó ina chomhalta nó ina comhalta den sórt sin, dícháilithe chun a cheaptha nó a ceaptha mar Choimisinéir.
4. Aon duine a bheidh i seilbh oifig an Choimisinéara ní shealbhóidh sé nó sí aon oifig nó fostaíocht eile a bhfuil díolaíochtaí iníoctha ina leith ná ní bheidh sé nó sí ina chomhalta nó ina comhalta de na hÓglaigh Cúltaca.
5. Íocfar leis an gCoimisinéir, as airgead a sholáthróidh an tOireachtas, cibé luach saothair agus cibé liúntais i leith caiteachas a chinnfidh an tAire ó am go ham.
6. (1) Féadfaidh an tAire scéim nó scéimeanna a dhéanamh agus a chur i gcrích de réir a téarmaí, is scéim nó scéimeanna chun pinsin, aiscí nó liúntais a dheonú, ar scor nó ar bhás, do dhaoine a bhí i seilbh oifig an Choimisinéara nó i leith na ndaoine sin.
(2) Féadfaidh an tAire, tráth ar bith, scéim nó scéimeanna lena leasaítear nó lena gcúlghairtear scéim faoin mír seo a dhéanamh agus a chur i gcrích de réir a téarmaí.
(3) Déanfar scéim faoin mír seo a leagan faoi bhráid gach Tí den Oireachtas a luaithe is féidir tar éis a déanta agus má dhéanann ceachtar Teach acu sin, laistigh den 21 lá a shuífidh an Teach sin tar éis an scéim a leagan faoina bhráid, rún a rith ag neamhniú na scéime, beidh an scéim ar neamhní dá réir sin, ach sin gan dochar do bhailíocht aon ní a rinneadh roimhe sin faoin scéim.
7. (1) Féadfaidh an tAire cibé líon daoine a chinnfidh an tAire ó am go ham, a cheapadh le bheith ina gcomhaltaí d'fhoireann an Choimisinéara.
(2) Beidh comhaltaí d'fhoireann an Choimisinéara ina státseirbhísigh i Státseirbhís an Stáit (de réir bhrí Acht Rialuithe na Stát-Sheirbhíse, 1956).
(3) Féadfaidh an tAire na cumhachtaí is infheidhmithe aige nó aici faoi Acht Choimisinéirí na Stát-Sheirbhíse, 1956, agus faoi Achtanna Rialaithe na Státseirbhíse, 1956 agus 1958, mar an t-údarás iomchuí i ndáil le comhaltaí d'fhoireann an Choimisinéara a tharmligean chun an Choimisinéara agus, má dhéanann an tAire amhlaidh, ansin, fad a fhanfaidh an tarmligean i bhfeidhm—
(a) beidh na cumhachtaí sin, in ionad iad a bheith infheidhmithe ag an Aire, infheidhmithe ag an gCoimisinéir, agus
(b) is é nó is í an Coimisinéir, in ionad an Aire, an t-údarás iomchuí chun críocha an Achta seo i ndáil le comhaltaí d'fhoireann an Choimisinéara.
8. (1) Coimeádfaidh an Coimisinéir, i cibé foirm a cheadóidh an tAire, na cuntais go léir is cuí agus is gnách ar an airgead go léir a gheobhaidh nó a chaithfidh sé nó sí agus na cuntais speisialta sin go léir (más ann) a ordóidh an tAire.
(2) Déanfaidh an Coimisinéir cuntais a choimeádfar de bhun na míre seo i leith gach bliana a chur faoi bhráid an Ard-Reachtaire Cuntas agus Ciste an bhliain ina dhiaidh sin, ar dháta nach déanaí ná dáta a shonróidh an tAire lena n-iniúchadh agus, a luaithe is féidir tar éis an iniúchta déanfaidh an Coimisinéir cóip de na cuntais sin, nó de cibé sleachta as na cuntais sin a shonróidh an tAire, mar aon le tuarascáil an Ard-Reachtaire Cuntas agus Ciste maidir leis na cuntais, a thíolacadh don Aire agus cuirfidh seisean nó sise faoi deara cóipeanna de na doiciméid a tíolacadh dó nó di a leagan faoi bhráid gach Tí den Oireachtas.
9. Féadfaidh an Coimisinéir aon fheidhm de chuid an Choimisinéara (seachas feidhmeanna faoin mír seo nó faoi alt 40) a tharmligean chuig comhalta d'fhoireann an Choimisinéara agus beidh éifeacht le fo-ailt (2) go (4) d'alt 4, fara aon mhodhnuithe is gá, chun críocha tarmligin faoin mír seo amhail mar atá éifeacht leo chun críocha tarmligin faoin alt sin; agus déanfar tagairtí san Acht seo don Choimisinéir a fhorléiriú, más cuí, ag féachaint d'aon tarmligean faoin mír seo, mar thagairtí a fholaíonn tagairtí d'aon duine a mbeidh feidhmeanna tarmligthe chuige nó chuici leis an tarmligean.
AN TRÍÚ SCEIDEAL
Achtacháin a Eisiatar ó Fheidhm Alt 32
CUID I
Reachtanna
Uimhir agus Bliain | Gearrtheideal | An Fhoráil |
Alt 22. | ||
Ailt 4, 5 agus 9. | ||
Alt 14. | ||
An tAcht Gáis, 1976. | Alt 20. | |
Alt 43(5). | ||
Alt 15. | ||
Alt 18. | ||
Alt 37. | ||
Alt 13. | ||
Alt 16. | ||
Ailt 42 agus 43. | ||
Alt 20. | ||
Alt 22. | ||
Alt 13. | ||
Alt 36. | ||
An tAcht Talmhaíochta (Taighde, Oiliúint agus Comhairle), 1988. | Alt 14. | |
Alt 33. | ||
An tAcht um Shábháilteacht, Sláinte agus Leas ag an Obair, 1989. | Alt 45. | |
Alt 23. | ||
An tAcht um Ghníomhaireacht Bainistíochta an Chisteáin Náisiúnta, 1990. | Alt 14. | |
Alt 25(6). | ||
Alt 24. | ||
Uimh. 2 de 1991 | An tAcht um Fhoras na Mara, 1991. | Alt 15. |
Uimh. 9 de 1991 | An tAcht um Chosaint Raideolaíoch, 1991. | Alt 36(1)(d). |
Uimh. 22 de 1991 | An tAcht um Thrádáil agus Margaíocht a Spreagadh, 1991. | Alt 10. |
Uimh. 24 de 1991 | An tAcht Iomaíochta, 1991. | Mír 9 den Sceideal. |
Uimh. 7 de 1992 | An tAcht fán nGníomhaireacht um Chaomhnú Comhshaoil, 1992. | Alt 39. |
Uimh. 14 de 1993 | Acht na mBóithre, 1993. | Alt 38. |
Míreanna 4 agus 5 den Dara Sceideal. | ||
Uimh. 27 de 1993 | An tAcht um Údarás Eitlíochta na hÉireann, 1993. | Alt 35. |
Uimh. 18 de 1994 | An tAcht um Thionscal Rásaíochta Capall na hÉireann, 1984. | Alt 17. |
Uimh. 25 de 1994 | Acht an Bhainne (Soláthar a Rialáil), 1994. | Alt 16(1). |
Uimh. 29 de 1995 | An tAcht um Bord Leigheasra na hÉireann, 1995. | Alt 23. |
Uimh. 4 de 1996 | An tAcht Árachais Sláinte Shaorálaigh (Leasú), 1996. | Alt 8. |
Uimh. 11 de 1996 | An tAcht Cuanta, 1996. | Alt 33. |
Uimh. 21 de 1996 | An tAcht um an mBord Bia, 1996. | Alt 26. |
CUID II
Ionstraimí Reachtúla
Uimhir agus Bliain | Gearrtheideal | An Fhoráil |
Uimh. 222 de 1983 | Rialacháin na dTithe (Binse Cíosa), 1983. | Airteagal 14(3). |
Uimh. 175 de 1983 | An tOrdú um Chomhairle na Seirbhísí Dóiteáin (Bunú), 1983. | Airteagal 13. |