Requesting information

How to request information from us

We already make a lot of information routinely available. Before you consider making a request please try:

  1. Searching our website for the information;
  2. Checking the Publications area, which details the categories of information made available by the Department on an ongoing basis.

If you still cannot find what you are looking for, or you require information available on the website in a different format (a hard copy, for example) you can ask for it under the Freedom of Information Act by emailing FOI branch external link, or by writing to us at:

Department for Employment and Learning
Adelaide House
39 – 49 Adelaide Street
Belfast
BT2 8FD

Your request for information must:

  • Be in writing (including e-mails and faxes);
  • Give your name for reply;
  • Give an address for correspondence (an e-mail address is acceptable); and
  • Describe the information requested.

Replying to Information Requests

The FOI Act stipulates that you should receive a reply within 20 working days from the date your request is received, by the Department. That time can be extended where:

  • A “qualified” exemption applies and we require more time to consider  the public interest; or
  • We are awaiting a fee from you prior to proceeding with your request.

It is the aim of the Department to respond to all requests within the legislative response time and in less than 20 working days in as many cases as possible. Should we require clarification we will do so at the earliest possible date to ensure that the response time is not delayed.

Costs

The legislation allows the Department to consider the application of fees when the cost of responding to the request exceeds £600. The Department has the right to refuse to respond to a request that is estimated to cost more than £600 to process unless the request is for information covered by EIRs, in which case the Department must process the request if you are prepared to pay the costs.

The Department may impose a small charge on any request in relation to disbursements. Disbursements include printing, photocopying and postage charges, although these will not normally be applied unless the cost exceeds £25.

Each request for information is considered on an individual basis and the Department will endeavour to communicate progress as and when appropriate. (The Freedom of Information and Data Protection (Appropriate Limit and Fees) Regulations 2004). external link

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