How to access information through the DARD Publication Scheme

The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2000 requires all public bodies to have a Publication Scheme.  Our Publication Scheme details information made public by Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. This page describes how to access information from DARD including the use of the Publication Scheme.

The classes of information we make available are listed under headings relating to the various functions of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. These include corporate functions such as those relating to the organisation as a whole, policy and strategy, internal procedures and guidance, as well as functions that are specific to each business area. Under each class heading there is a brief description outlining what is included and, where appropriate, identifying any items of information within the class that will not be routinely published. In some cases a class may contain only a single report, whereas others may describe a broad range of documents.

Much of the information is available from this section of our website. Published information may also be obtained in hard copy and, in keeping with DARD's commitment to promoting equality of opportunity, may also be made available in Braille, disc, audiocassette or minority ethnic language on request from the relevant contact point. Certain very large documents or manuals may be made available for viewing by arrangement.  However where practicable we will endeavour to supply sections of these documents by other means to meet specific needs. If in doubt, or if you have any enquiries about how to access information, please refer to the general contact information for each of DARD's main business areas in the Contact and Access details.

If you want to re-use or reproduce our publications, e.g. commercially or for circulation for education, etc, purposes, you will in most cases need to apply for a copyright licence for this. This Department is a Crown body and our information is subject to Crown copyright administered by the Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI).

Under the Act some information may be deemed exempt from disclosure. In addition, some of the material in a class may be derived from documents considered to contain exempt information. Typically information may be withheld if its release would compromise the health and safety of staff, where confidential information or personal data about others is included, or for reasons of security.

It should also be noted that information is exempt from the Act if it is reasonably accessible to the applicant by other means. One example where information would qualify for this exemption is if it is made available via the Department's Publication Scheme. In instances where someone makes a written request for information that is already available via the publication scheme, DARD will refer the applicant to the scheme.