Guide to using the Publication Scheme

This scheme refers to classes of information that OFMDFM publishes for use within and outside the Department and provides guidance on finding information according to its type. Publication does not refer solely to printed material. It has been interpreted as broadly as possible to include information on the website, electronic documents, printed books, reports and leaflets. Much of the material covered by the scheme is available on this website.

The information detailed in our scheme may be available in other languages and / or formats on request, for example audiotape and large print. Publications which are available in other formats or languages will be noted accordingly.

You can email your request for information at foi@ofmdfmni.gov.uk. If you wish to make a postal request, you can write to the Departmental Information Manager at the address in the OFMDFM Contacts section.

When requesting information, please include the following details-

We will indicate if there is a charge for a copy of the publication you request. The following charging policy will apply unless otherwise stated within the scheme.

Publications are free of charge from our website (i.e. there is no charge by us, although the user will have to meet any charges imposed by their internet service provider, personal printing costs, etc).

For those without internet access, a single printed version of the document will be available by post from the Departmental Information Manager – see the OFMDFM Contacts section for details.

We will let you know at the time of your request the amount to be charged and if payment is required in advance.

Whilst it is intended that the majority of information contained in our Publication Scheme will be posted on our website, there may be certain publications which will only be available by post and for which there may be a charge. Where charges apply, this is clearly identified against the individual documents.

The Department reserves the right to charge for the production of multiple copies of documents, which are otherwise free of charge.

The Department also reserves the right to review its position on charging.

We will aim to make information available when requested.  Most information may be accessed through this website.  Some may be made available by email upon request by contacting the Departmental Information Manager . In some cases the information may need to be posted and we will endeavour to do this within 5 working days of your request.  If the information needs to be viewed at our premises we will aim to contact you within 5 working days to arrange an appointment at a mutually convenient time.

OFMDFM does not currently publish a disclosure log of FOI requests made and the information provided in response.

Under the Freedom of Information Act, some information may be deemed exempt from disclosure. For example, information may be withheld if its release would compromise the health and safety of staff, where confidential information or personal data about others is included or for reasons of security.

Where this occurs, the material will clearly show where information has been withheld and explain which exemption(s) have been applied, and why.

It should also be noted that information is exempt from the Act if it is reasonably available to the applicant by other means or if it is intended for future publication.

Official records deemed of value for permanent preservation are transferred at 30 years old to the Public Record Office Northern Ireland (PRONI).  A reduction to 15 years is currently under consideration.

All OFMDFM publications are subject to Crown Copyright. Generally speaking, material may be reproduced for personal or in-house use without formal permission or charge. Reproduction for sale or other commercial use is not permitted.

For other use, or if in doubt, further information and guidance notes on publishing and copyright is available from -

Her Majesty’s Stationery Office
St Clements House
2-16 Colegate
Norwich NR3 1BQ

Tel: 016 0362 1000
Email opsilicensing@cabinet-office.x.gsi.gov.uk
Website Access the Office of Public Sector Information website.

The Department has considered its statutory equality obligations for the Publication Scheme under Section 75 of The Northern Ireland Act 1998. The Equality Commission’s screening criteria have been applied to the Scheme and have shown that there is no evidence of significant implications on the equality of opportunity duty within the terms of Section 75. There is therefore no requirement to carry out an equality impact assessment.

If the information you are looking for is not contained within the Scheme, you may make a request for information to OFMDFM.

Most of the information included in our Scheme will be current.  However, for certain classes of information, retrospective information is published.

Information will be not be available through the publication scheme indefinitely.  We are committed to providing the public with as much information as is practically possible.  It is important that the information we provide is relevant and up-to-date.

Please see what do I do if I am dissatisfied section.