Making a request under the Freedom of Information Act, 2014

The Freedom of Information Act, 2014 gives you the right to:

• Access records held by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) and other public bodies.
• Request correction of personal information relating to you held by NMBI where it is inaccurate, incomplete or misleading.
• Obtain reasons for a decision made by NMBI where the decision affects you.

These rights are subject to certain exemptions which are set out in the Freedom of Information Act, 2014. 

You can ask for the following records held by this office:

• Any records relating to you personally, whenever created.
• Other records created after 21 April 2008.

You do not have to give a reason as to why you want access to particular records, and you must be given an explanation if you are refused access to any record that you have looked for. NMBI must respond within four weeks of receiving a request for access (or such longer period as provided for in exceptional cases under the Act). The Freedom of Information Officer will also assist members of the public in seeking access to records under the Act.

The Act requires that you, the requester, give us sufficient particulars to enable us to identify the records you require. Where your request relates to personal information you must provide evidence of identity. The Act gives the public the right to obtain access to official information to the greatest extent possible consistent with the public interest and the right to privacy of individuals.
 

Fees

The Act provides for fees. In respect of personal records, no fees will be charged for copying the records requested unless a large number of records are involved. In respect of non-personal information, the following charges will apply:

• Application fee of €15 with a discount of €5 for medical card holders.
• Appeal to the Internal Reviewer will carry a fee of €75 with a discount of €50 for medical card holders.
• Appeal to the Information Commissioner will carry a fee of €150 with a discount of €100 for medical card holders.
• A deposit of 20% may be payable where the total fee is likely to exceed €50.78.
• Fees will also be charged for the search and retrieval and materials involved in the application.

Right of review and appeal

Appeal to the Internal Reviewer

If you feel aggrieved regarding a decision of the Board to limit or refuse access under the Freedom of Information Act, then you have the right of appeal to the Internal Reviewer, details of the internal Reviewer will be provided in the decision letter issued by NMBI’s FOI Officer.

Appeal to the Information Commissioner

If you are dissatisfied with the decision taken by the Internal Reviewer, you have the right to appeal to the Information Commissioner.

Appeal to the High Court

If you are unhappy with the decision of the Information Commissioner following such an appeal, you may appeal to the High Court on a point of law from the decision.