Processing Time

The Act gives RDPIFR 30 calendar days in which to process applications, although there are a number of occasions where RDPIFR may take longer than 30 days to process applications. For example, where the information sought relates to a third party, the Act requires RDPIFR to consult the third party before any decision is taken to release the information. This includes provision for the third party to appeal against any decision to release information which relates to them.

You should also be aware that there are a number of points at which the 30-day processing period may be suspended. These are:

• if your application does not comply with the Act – an application is not deemed to have been received until it complies with section 18 of the Act, even though you may have paid your application fee
• if you are requested to provide more information about your application – under section 19 of the Act, RDPIFR may request you to provide additional details from you to better identify the information you are seeking
• if you are requested to pay a deposit – if RDPIFR provides you with an estimated cost for obtaining the information, the application will not proceed until you have paid the deposit and agreed to pay the total amount (not exceeding the amount of the estimate), or an application to waive or reduce fees has been decided.

If you are paying by cheque, the information located in response to your application will not be released until the payment is cleared.