The provisions of the Freedom of Information Act were extended by the Department of Finance to apply to a number of bodies under the aegis of the Department of Education & Skills, including the NCTE, from the 31st May 2006.

The Act confers three legal rights on individuals:

• The right to obtain information held by the NCTE
• The right to obtain reasons for decisions affecting oneself
• The right to have official information relating to oneself amended where it is incorrect, incomplete or misleading

The NCTE currently makes a considerable amount of information routinely available to the public in relation to its functions and activities. Such information will continue to be available without the need to make a formal request under the FOI Act. The FOI Act is designed to allow public access to information held by public bodies which is NOT routinely available through other sources. Access to information under the Act is subject to certain exemptions and involves specific procedures and time limits.

How Do I Make a Freedom of Information Request? 

You may send a letter in writing to the FOI Officer, NCTE, INVENT Building, Dublin City University, Dublin 9. 

Your letter should:

1. refer to the FOI Act
2. give as much information as possible about the records being sought
3. specify if you would like to obtain copies of the record or would prefer access in another form. If you require the record in a particular form, e.g. photocopy, computer disk, your application should specify that form;
4. include contact details, as it will be necessary for NCTE to contact you in relation to your application
5. you may be required to prove your identity and may be asked to provide a copy of your drivers licence, passport, birth certificate etc.

A standard application fee of EUR 15 must accompany an FOI request made under section 7 of the Act for a record or records containing non-personal information. A reduced fee of EUR 10 applies if the person making such a request is covered by a medical card.

Further information on FOI and the process of making an application to the NCTE is available here.