A few questions about a F O I.

Nekarsulm · 30-12-2013 1:37am #1

Hi all,
Am looking for some advice about a Freedom of Information request. I wish to get copies of the transcript and all files regarding an inquest from earlier this year. It concerns my brothers inquest.
My questions are,
1) Do I send request plus fee to the relevant Coroners office, or the Court Office of the Courthouse where the inquest was heard?

2) I intend to request copies of witness statements, Gardai statements and copies of the pathologists files and findings, including all and any diagrams and photographs held by Coroner, Pathologist and Gardai. Do I need to apply to each body separately, or will one request to the Coroners Office suffice?

Has anyone here experience of such a FOI request? and any comments or advice would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

Pro Hoc Vice · 30-12-2013 2:14am

Don't think coroner is FOIable http://www.coronerdublincity.ie/faqs/inquest.htm

19. Can the report of an inquest be obtained?

Copies of the post-mortem report and depositions taken at inquest including a copy of the verdict are available from the coroner’s office on payment of the statutory fee, once the inquest has concluded. It should be noted that inquest papers are generally not available prior to the inquest being held.

The Freedom of Information Act 1997 does not apply to coroners inquests and inquiries. Documents are available under the Coroner’s Act 1962 [see also S.I. No. 429 of 2000 (Fees and Expenses)].

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1962/en/act/pub/0009/sec0029.html#sec29

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/2000/en/si/0429.html

Garda not a body that can be FOI either http://www.garda.ie/Controller.aspx?Page=9372&Lang=1

Carawaystick · 30-12-2013 8:24pm

If there was some environmental information in the documents you wanted, the access to information on the environment regulations would apply to any public body, including an Garda and the coroner

A few questions about a F O I.

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