DoI 'carried out inadequate searches' in response to FoI

Information Commissioner says department failed to fulfil its duties

The Department of Infrastructure carried out inadequate searches and failed to fulfil its duties while responding to a Freedom of Information request.

That's the ruling of the Information Commissioner following a review into a request relating to the Ronaldsway Airport Rescue Vessel.

The applicant sought 14 pieces of information, receiving most but only being supplied with the final two nine months later after requesting an internal review.

The department initially stated it no longer held the two requested items, but following a review was able to provide them.

The Information Commissioner found the DoI failed to undertake a reasonable search, didn't apply a practical refusal reason and took an excessive time to answer the internal review request.

The department is reminded of its statutory obligation to comply with the Freedom of Information Act's code and good practice advice.