The statistics show that the 11 government departments have maintained their good performance in terms of responding to requests for information on time and in disclosing information. Indeed, the figures achieved compare favourably to those achieved by Whitehall Departments.
In releasing the report, the First Minister and deputy First Minister made reference to the evolution of openness and transparency within the Northern Ireland Civil Service.
Dr Paisley said: “In response to requests concerning a wide range of issues of public interest, our departments have disclosed significant amounts of information never released previously. They are making considerable strides towards achieving our goal of more open government.”
Referring to the challenges presented by the large number of requests from members of the general public, Mr McGuinness said: “Members of the public are clearly making use of their new statutory right of access to official information to find out about issues that affect their everyday lives. We will strive to ensure that their requests are handled appropriately.”
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- The second Northern Ireland annual report on Freedom of Information is available at: http://www.ofmdfmni.gov.uk/central-freedom-of-information.htm
- The Northern Ireland government departments received 3,355 requests (an increase of over 5% on the 2005 figures). 74% of these were from members of the public with 14% from businesses and 9% from the media. 92% of requests were answered within the 20-working day time limit, with information being disclosed fully in just under 79% of cases.
- The most commonly used exemption (for withholding information) was ‘personal information’, followed by ‘commercial interests’ and ‘formulation of government policy’.
- 77 requests for internal reviews were received in 2006 (compared to 151 in 2005), with the original decision being upheld in full or in part in 84% of cases where the outcome was known at the time of reporting.
- These figures, along with additional information on the first quarter of 2007, are available at: http://www.ofmdfmni.gov.uk/statistics-on-requests.htm
- The statistics for the first quarter of 2007 again show a very similar picture in terms of timeliness and openness.
- The Ministry of Justice published figures for a total of 43 central government bodies, including all major departments of state on 20 June 2007, and are available at: http://www.justice.gov.uk/docs/foi-annual-report-central-gov-2006.pdf
- Media enquiries, please contact Press Office, Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, Tel. 028 9037 8283. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
