The Information Commissioner was forced to use powers under FOI legislation to ensure the Secretary General of the Department of Children and Equality released records.
The move followed a request by Right to Know for copies of a pre-budget submission and other correspondence from the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS).
When the request was made initially, the Department of Children and Equality did not respond.
When we sought internal review, the department did not respond.
Then, when the Information Commissioner (OIC) asked them to issue an “effective position” they still did not bother to respond.
At that stage, the OIC issued a notice under Section 45 of the FOI Act compelling the department to provide the information involved.
The decision said: “Non-responses and delays of the nature experienced in this case serve to undermine the entire FOI process and are unacceptable.
“I should add, however, that the Information Commissioner has since met with the Secretary General and commitments were given to put in place measures to ensure that the Department can, in the future, comply with its obligations under the FOI Act.”
The decision will result in the release of much of the information that was originally sought with some redactions on grounds including commercial sensitivity and security concerns.
P.S. it is now over a year and a half since the request was first made.