The company is committed to including as much information in the Publication Scheme as it can. If you have searched the Publication Scheme and cannot find what you are looking for, you can make a request for the information.
The Act gives applicants two related rights:
- In most cases, the right to be told whether the company holds the information.
- The right to receive the information (and where possible, in the manner requested, i.e. copies, viewing at the company’s offices, electronically etc) subject to certain exemptions which are set out in the Act.
The Act is fully retrospective. This means that you can ask for information created before the implementation of the Act, subject to any exemptions that may apply.
Will I be able to see all of Solutions SK’s information?
- Some of the information that the company holds will be exempt. This means that the company does not have to provide it. Should you request exempt information however the company will always try to provide you with as much information as possible.
- Exemptions in the Act can be absolute or non-absolute. Absolute exemptions means that the exempt information is not subject to a public interest test.
Some of the absolute exemptions include:
- Information accessible by other means
- Inational security
- Court records
- Personal data
- Information which cannot be disclosed by law
In respect of non-absolute exemptions, the company has to consider the public interest. These exemptions include:
- Health and safety issues
- Environmental Information
- Law enforcement
The Public Interest
When a non-absolute exemption applies to the Information requested the information will still be provided if it is in the Public Interest to release it. The circumstances of each particular case will be considered. The balance will lie in favour of disclosure. Information may only be withheld if the public interest in retaining the information outweighs that in disclosing it.
Will there be a charge for requesting additional information which is not included in the Publication Scheme?
The company may charge you for requests which involve significant amounts of photocopying or postage costs. You will always be informed of any changes prior to any work being undertaken in order to give you the opportunity to choose to proceed with your request.