Freedom of Information Act 1997

Our man in Havana

Just 2 quick questions:


1. Can a person request a public body to alter/delete information held where the information is incorrect slanderous or libelous?

2. Is there an obligation on public bodies to explain the records that are supplied under FOI?

Thanks

James

Victor

I got Social Welfare to correct my records where a handwriten P60 was misread (Class A1 was read as Class M) and I lost benefits.

Originally posted by Bond-James Bond
1. Can a person request a public body to alter/delete information held where the information is incorrect slanderous or libelous?

Generally yes (there are exemptions for say the Garda and so on), but the Data Protection Act may be more appropriate.

Originally posted by Bond-James Bond
2. Is there an obligation on public bodies to explain the records that are supplied under FOI?

Depends. I don't think you can demand from them exactly when and where they got every bit of information. However, the information they give you must be made intelligible, if they themselves can make it intelligible.

Be aware there may be some costs involved if you make a complicated or extensive request.

Typedef

Question:

Does anyone know if I can require Eircom to supply me with a list of the email logs that have been kept of my email correspondance by law?

Victor

Data Protection Act might do that, if it (the email log) can be perceived as (a) personal information and (b) retrievable. You would have to pay for it though.