The Freedom
of Information Acts establishes the right of members of the public to obtain
access to official information to the greatest extent possible consistent with
the public interest and the right to privacy of individuals.
The Freedom
of Information Act 1997 commenced on 21st April 1998 for Government Departments and Offices and
certain other Government bodies, and
on 21st October 1998 for Local Authorities
and Health Boards.
The Freedom of Information
(Amendment) Act 2003 came into force on 11th April 2003.
The Act
established three new statutory rights:
1. A legal right for each person to
access information held by Public Bodies
2. MORE
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Bodies listed by category which are subject to the Freedom of Information Act:
Central Government Departments
City/County/Borough 20Councils
Voluntary Hospitals
& Other Bodies
