Better Public Services Newsletter Sept 2026 - Freedom of Information

DPER has responsibility for Freedom of Information (FOI) policy. Building capability in both open data and FOI helps public bodies to strengthen transparency, accountability and public trust while ensuring information is made available in ways that are secure, accessible and useful.

A strong, expert and authoritative leadership role by the FOI Central Policy Unit (CPU) in DPER is critical to the effective and efficient operation of FOI in public bodies. The mandate of the CPU must be to develop FOI policy and to guide, inform and advise public bodies on key FOI policy issues in the public service. As part of this work:

• The CPU maintains the FOI website (foi.gov.ie), which contains comprehensive and detailed guidance for both the public and public bodies on FOI in Ireland.
• The CPU also runs a designated helpline (01 604 5245) and inbox (CPU@per.gov.ie) to assist both the public in making FOI requests and public bodies in responding to FOI requests. The CPU encourages public bodies to use this service as the CPU has a deep understanding, expertise and policy dealing with all types of FOI request.
• The CPU runs 3 FOI network sessions every year for both Government Departments (Interdepartmental Working Group) and public bodies (Public Service User Network). The CPU encourages civil and public servants to attend and participate in these networks to ensure continuous improvement in FOI structures and enable best practice to be applied across all public bodies to the benefit of the public.