Overview
Our Freedom of Information Group provides specialised advice on all aspects of the Freedom of Information Acts, the Access to Information on the Environment Regulations and other legislation governing access to records held by public bodies. The Group advises a large number of public bodies and private entities in respect of the implications of the legislation.
Expertise
Our areas of expertise include:
- Advice on access requests and possible exemptions
- Advising on Section 18 (reasons for decisions) requests
- Advising commercial entities on dealings with public bodies, including the protection of commercially sensitive and confidential information and the implications of the freedom of information regime
- Compliance advice for public bodies, including publication obligations under Sections 15 and 16 of the Freedom of Information Acts
- Freedom of information and record retention audits to determine what records need to be retained by public bodies
- Drafting of submissions to public bodies on behalf of clients, including Section 29 submissions
- Internal review, Information Commissioner and High Court Appeals
- Advice on access to information on the environment regulations and other public access legislation
- Confidentiality and commercial sensitivity advice
Directory Comments
McCann FitzGerald boasts "excellent availability" and "attention to detail." The Legal 500, 2010
"The firm listens and has a great understanding of what we are trying to achieve," say clients. Others add: "McCann FitzGerald is extremely good on heavy-duty IT contracts, and its IT department has great depth." Chambers, 2010
"The lawyers give solid advice and you never need to explain anything more than once." Chambers, 2009