Charges associated with FOI requests

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will occasionally make charges to access information.  This includes the information which is accessed by the Publication Scheme and through requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.

Whilst most information can be accessed free of charge, certain publications and classes of information will be available when payment is received.  All charges are clearly identified in the DARD Publication Scheme.

A charge may be made for requested information.  This depends on a number of factors including the volume of material requested.  Responses to enquiries that cost the Department less than £600 to process* will normally be provided free of charge, although there may be a small charge for costs of photocopying, printing and postage.

The Department has the right to refuse to respond to a request that is estimated to cost more than £600 to process unless the request is for information covered by EIRs, in which case the Department has to process the request if you are prepared to pay the costs.  If the cost is greater than £600 and you agree to pay these costs, the Department will provide you with the information.

Each request is considered on an individual basis and the Department will endeavour to communicate progress as and when appropriate.

* Includes the cost of finding, sorting or redacting the material