Getting the Best Response to Your Application

The most effective way to get the best response to your application is to be as specific as possible. Applications which are vague or very broad may take a long time to process – or not be possible to process at all.

Try to identify the information you wish to receive as clearly as you can. If possible, include dates, locations and any terms that may be specific to your topic. These will assist RDPIFR to locate the information more quickly and accurately.

It is also important to recognise that the information you seek may already be publicly-available, or published at regular intervals. Wherever possible, RDPIFR will provide you with access to information which would normally be publicly-available outside of the FOI process. 

You may find it helpful to check with the Department if the information you are seeking is already available before submitting an application. A good starting point would be the information elsewhere on this website, or by contacting the relevant area of the Department by telephone.