Freedom of Information beds in

First Minister Rt Hon Peter Robinson MP, MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP, MLA today welcomed the publication of the forth Northern Ireland annual report on Freedom of Information (FOI).

The figures show that the 11 government departments have responded well over the last four years to the challenges set by FOI legislation.

In releasing the report, the First Minister and deputy First Minister reflected on another eventful year for Freedom of Information, as the new culture of openness and transparency continued to embed itself within the Northern Ireland Civil Service.

Peter Robinson said: "A principle of good governance is that it should be as open and transparent as possible, and I believe that our commitment to that principle is demonstrated in practical terms by the solid performance of our Departments in responding to the steady stream of requests for information."

Complementing the comments of the First Minister, Mr McGuinness also expressed his satisfaction that Departments here had performed consistently well in responding to requests over the last four years.

Mr McGuinness said: ‘Freedom of Information, openness and transparency are central to the democratic process. I am pleased that all our Departments continue to recognise this and meet the need to deliver timely information’.

Notes to editors:

1. The eleven NI Departments received a total of 3,015 requests under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 during 2008; a 4.7% reduction on the 3,164 requests received in 2007. 69% of these requests were received from members of the public; with 9% from the media; and 8% from businesses.

2. 93% of the requests received were answered ‘in time’, in that they either received an answer within 20 working days or within a permitted time extension, with information being fully disclosed in 73% of cases.

3. The most commonly used exemption (for withholding information) was ‘personal information’, followed by ‘commercial interests’ and ‘formulation of government policy’.

4. 107 requests for internal reviews were received in 2008 (compared to 95 in 2007), with the original decision being upheld in full or in part in 85% of cases where the outcome was known at the time of reporting.

5. The FOI Annual Report is available at: http://www.ofmdfmni.gov.uk/index/improving-public-services/central-freedom-of-information/annual-reports-and-statistics.htm

6. The Ministry of Justice published figures for central government bodies, including all major departments of state during June 2008, and are available at: http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/freedomofinformationquarterly.htm

7. The Information Commissioner’s Office is the UK’s independent public body set up to enforce and oversee the statutory obligations laid down in the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.

ICO Northern Ireland contact details:

8. All media enquiries to OFMDFM Press Office on 028 9037 8082. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.