Freedom of information

The Health Insurance Authority (the ‘Authority’) came within the scope of the Freedom of Information Act with the passage of the Freedom of Information Act 1997 (Prescribed Bodies) Regulations 2006, effective from 31 May, 2006.

The new Freedom of Information Act 2014 was signed into law on 14 October 2014. 

What is FOI?

The FOI Act 2014 provides that every person has the following legal rights:

  • the right to access official records held by Government Departments and all public bodies that conform to the provisions of Section 6 of the Act;
  • the right to have personal information held on them corrected or updated where such information is incomplete, incorrect or misleading; and
  • the right to be given reasons for decisions taken by public bodies that affect them.

How does FOI work?

The Act requires public bodies to respond to requests from the public for information they hold.  In most cases, public bodies must give their decision on a request within 4 weeks of receiving it.

How can I make a FOI Request to The Health Insurance Authority?

You should send a request either, in writing or by email, to the

Freedom of Information Officer

Beaux Lane House

Mercer Street Lower

Dublin 2

D02 DH60

Tel: +353 (1) 406 0080

E-mail: info@hia.ie

Your request should include the following:

  • A statement that the request is being made under the FOI Act;
  • As much information as possible about the records being sought;
  • In what format you wish to receive any records released (e.g. photocopies)

Alternatively, you may download the Application Form available on this website and submit this to the FOI Officer at the above address.  A response will be given no later than 4 weeks upon receipt of Request.

Can I get access to any information that I seek?

The following records come within the scope of the FOI Acts:

  • all records relating to personal information held by the Authority irrespective of when they were created
  • all other records created from the inclusion of the Authority in the FOI Act, 31 May, 2006
  • any records necessary to the understanding of a current record even if created prior to 31 May, 2006
  • personnel records of serving staff created from 21st April, 1995 and those created prior to that date where being used or proposed to be used in a way which adversely affects or may affect the person involved.

However, in order to allow Government business to be properly conducted, it will sometimes be necessary to exempt from release certain types of information in some circumstances. These are set out in the Act.  Among the key exemptions are records relating to:

  • Government meetings,
  • law enforcement and security,
  • confidential and commercially sensitive information,
  • personal information (other than information relating to the person making the request).

Requests may also be refused if they are deemed too voluminous or unclear but the Authority is obliged to assist the requester in trying to overcome this.

Is there a charge for getting information under the FOI Act?

There is no charge for submitting a request.  In respect of non-personal requests, other charges may be applied for the time spent finding records and for any reproduction costs incurred by the Authority in providing you with the material requested (search, retrieval and copying charges).  Where the cost of search, retrieval and copying is less than €101, no fee is charged.  Where the cost of search, retrieval and copying is greater than €500 but less than €700, a maximum charge of €500 applies.  Where the cost of search, retrieval and copying is greater than €700, the body can refuse to process the request.   Details of actual charges relating to your request will be notified to you in writing.  Payment should be made by way of Electronic Funds Transfer.  Please contact the FOI Officer for bank details.  A list of relevant fees is set out below:

List of Fees

S.I. No. 484 of 2014 relates to information regarding fees. In summary

  • There is no charge for submitting a request
  • Search and Retrieval – €20 per hour (for requests that exceed the €100 minimum in terms of search, retrieval and copying), subject to the ceilings mentioned above.
  • €0.04 per sheet for a photocopy
  • Internal review fee €30 (€10 for medical card holders)
  • Appeal to the Information Commissioner €50 (€15 for medical card holders)

Notes:

  1. There is no charge if the records concerned contain only personal information relating to the applicant, unless there are a significant number of records.
  2. If you are claiming a reduced application fee, the request must be accompanied by the Medical Card registration number, issuing Health Board name and your consent to the verification of these details with that Health Board.
  3. A full list of fees is available on request.

What if I am not satisfied with the decision on my FOI request?

You may appeal any decision issued by this Authority by writing to the Freedom of Information Appeals Officer (Chief Executive / Registrar), The Health Insurance Authority, Mercer Street Lower, Dublin 2 seeking an Internal Review of the matter.  A fee of €30 (€10 for medical card holders) may apply for such an appeal.  There is no fee for internal review applications concerning only personal information relating to oneself or in relation to a decision to impose a fee or deposit.

You should make your appeal within 4 weeks from the date of response (although late appeals may be permitted in certain circumstances). The appeal will involve a complete reconsideration of the matter by a more senior member of staff of the Authority (the Chief Executive / Registrar) and a decision will be communicated to you within 3 weeks.

What if I am not satisfied with the decision on internal review?

You may appeal the decision within six months by writing to the Office of the Information Commissioner.  If you make an appeal the Information Commissioner will fully investigate and consider the matter and issue a fresh decision.  All appeals should be addressed to:

The Information Commissioner,

18 Lower Leeson Street,

Dublin 2.

Tel:  +353 (1) 639 5689

Fax: +353 (1) 639 5674

E-mail: info@oic.ie

A fee of €50 (€15 for medical card holders) may apply for such an application.  Again, there is no fee for appeals to the Office of the Information Commissioner concerning only personal information relating to oneself or in relation to a decision to impose a fee or deposit.

Can I get help in making a request?

Yes.  If you require any help the FOI Officer will be happy to assist you in the formulation of your request.



Do I need to make a FOI request to get information from the Authority?

No. The Authority routinely makes information available to the public through information leaflets, publications and in response to enquiries.  This will continue.  FOI provides an additional source of information by facilitating access to records not made routinely available.

Where can I get more information on FOI?

Further information on FOI is available from:

The Freedom of Information Officer

The Health Insurance Authority

Beaux Lane House

Mercer Street Lower

Saint Peter's

Dublin 2

D02 DH60

Tel: +353 (1) 406 0080

Fax:+353 (1) 4060081

E-mail: info@hia.ie

The Information Commissioner

18 Lower Leeson Street

Dublin 2

Tel:  +353 (1) 639 5689

Fax: +353 (1) 639 5674

E-mail: info@oic.gov.ie

More comprehensive information on Freedom of Information, including the text of the Freedom of Information Act 2014 is available at www.foi.gov.ie.