Freedom of Information

The Freedom of Information Act 1997 as amended by the Freedom of Information Act 2003 applies to Huntington’s Disease Association of Ireland (HDAI) and is intended to facilitate public access to information which is not routinely available by other means. 

On 14 October 2014, the Freedom of Information Act 2014 came into effect and repealed the 1997 and 2003 Acts. The new Act introduced a number of changes to the Freedom of Information scheme and widened the range of bodies to which the FOI legislation applies. It also allows for the Government to prescribe (or designate) other bodies receiving significant public funds, so that the FOI legislation applies to them also.

The old legislation continues to apply to any FOI request made before the new legislation came into effect. It also applies to any subsequent review or appeal. Access to information under the terms of the Acts is subject to certain exemptions, procedures and time limits.  

HDAI already makes available certain information on its functions and activities to the public through its annual reports, information leaflets, information on our website and through discussions with staff members. This information will continue to be available without having to make a formal request under the Freedom of Information Acts.

Information is also available outside the Acts through administrative access i.e. by writing to the appropriate staff member stating the information/record requested.

Access To Information

INFORMATION ROUTINELY AVAILABLE

Information relating to HDAI may be obtained by:  

ROUTINE means, i.e. through discussion, in person, or by telephone with the appropriate HDAI staff member. 

Routine information is also available through HDAI’s website, information leaflets, newsletters, annual reports and other reports published by HDAI. 

ADMINISTRATIVE means, i.e. by writing to the appropriate member of the HDAI’s staff stating the information required. 

Under routine and administrative access, all appropriate information will be made available to the requester having regard to privacy, confidentiality and the public interest.

 FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2014 

The Freedom of Information Act 2014 provides the following three rights: 

1. The right of each person to access information held by public bodies;
2. The right of each person to have official information relating to him/herself amended where it is incomplete, incorrect or misleading.
3. The right of each person to obtain reasons for decisions affecting him/herself. 

Section 8 of the Freedom of Information Act 2014 requires HDAI to prepare and publish as much information as possible in an open and accessible manner on a routine basis outside of FOI, having regard to the principles of openness, transparency and accountability. HDAI has set out information on the organisation, on the services it provides, the records it holds, and how it makes decisions. 

Click here to access this information which is known as the FOI Model Publication Scheme for HDAI.

Making A Request

How to Make a Request for Information?

You can make a request under the Freedom of Information Act in writing or by e-mail by using the FOI Application Form. Access the FOI Form  or alternatively e-mail the FOI Officer with your request, contact details below.  In the application, you must state that the request for information is sought under the Freedom of Information Act, 2014. If you want the information in a particular format (i.e. photocopy/hardcopy/softcopy etc) this should be stated. Requests for information should be as specific as possible to aid with identification of the records being sought.

If you would like assistance with your FOI request, please email patricia@huntingtons.ie or contact the FOI Officer by telephone, Tel. (01) 6781600

Applications for information under the FOI Act should be submitted to: Freedom of Information Officer, Huntington’s Disease Association, Carmichael Centre, North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7 D07 RHA8.   Tel:       (01) 872 1303  Email:  patricia@huntingtons.ie

Making a Request under the 2014 Freedom of Information Act

How do I make an FOI request?

• You must make a request in writing using the following form.
• You must state that the request is being made under the Freedom of Information Act 2014.
• You must state clearly the exact records/information being requested, supplying as much detail (i.e. service, dates of correspondence etc) as possible.
• You must state clearly the manner in which access is sought, for example, to view the original correspondence or to receive photocopies of the original, obtain an electronic copy etc.
• Make sure you sign the form.
• Supply proof of identity in the case of personal information.
• HDAI will accept requests by letter, e-mail, or by using the FOI application form.
• Download the FOI Form  

Information on applicable Fees 

Entitlements under the FOI Acts:

• Receipt of your request must be acknowledged within 10 working days
• A response will, in normal circumstances, be issued within 20 working days of receipt of the request
• All decisions must be clearly explained, setting out the sections of the Act used in reaching these decisions
• Details of your entitlements to Internal Review and appeal will be included in the decision letter