Freedom of Information

35 Minutes

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Being able to access information held by public authorities is an important right in an open society.

Freedom of information makes our authorities more accountable in delivering public services, and stimulates public debate on issues that are important to everyone. Above all, it helps create an atmosphere of transparency in politics and society as a whole.

The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act gives a structure to the way information is accessed and disclosed in the public domain.

This course outlines the parameters of the FOI Act and explores how requests under the Act should be made and dealt with.

This e-learning module gives you a greater understanding of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and explains how this legislation functions. 

After completing this course, learners will be able to:

• Recognise when and where the main provisions of the Freedom of Information Act apply
• Understand the types of information that will be shared in an organisation’s publication scheme
• Make or handle requests for information in an appropriate way
• Understand the rights of individuals under the Act and the consequences of not complying with the legislation

Topics explored in this course, Freedom of Information Essentials:

• Main provisions for the Freedom of Information Act
• Types of information covered under the Act
• Public authority duties
• Publishing information
• Dealing with requests for information
• Providing information and refusing a request