What You Should Know
- The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act came into full effect on 1 January 2005.
- It established rights of access to information held by public authorities and anyone can make a request.
- The request must be made in writing (e-mail and faxes are acceptable).
- The public authority has 20 working days to supply the requested information.
- The Act is totally retrospective and it applies to all information held.

