Info boss keeps busy, according to latest report

(CNS): With an increase in freedom of information requests of some 14%, the information commissioner is keeping busy, despite staff shortages. Between 1 July and 30 September 2011, 114 FOI requests were logged by public authorities. However, in her latest quarterly report Jennifer Dilbert revealed that 17 public authorities failed to submit their compliance reports before the deadline. The information commissioner says that between 1 October and 31 December last year the office opened five new appeal files, held four hearings, completed two investigations as well as starting one new one, and ordered the release of dozens of documents.

In her report released Friday Dilbert also notes that Section 58 of the Freedom of Information Law, 2007 stipulates that the law must be reviewed from time to time by a committee of the Legislative Assembly, and while a committee was created on 30 June 2010 and her recommendations for the review were submitted to it in September 2010, the review has still not been completed by the committee.

The office lost two members of staff at the end of last year and although it is running with less staff than intended due to budget cuts, the report shows that the two posts have now been filled.

The ICO was also well under its budgeted spending forecast at the half way mark for this financial year. The report shows that the office has a budget of $287,418.00 but spent only 236,465.07.

See latest report below or visit www.infocomm.ky