Freedom of Information

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) is committed to the principles of openness and transparency. The Department's Freedom of Information Policy provides a framework within which our staff will comply with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI Act).

DARD will publish and release information proactively in response to the needs of community, taking account of areas where there is a recognised public interest in the information held by the Department. Much of this information can be obtained through the Department's Publication Scheme and where possible we have made this information accessible via the electronic version of the scheme on our Website.

If you are seeking information, which you believe is held by DARD, you should first check the Publication Scheme to see if the classes of information listed in the scheme cover your requirements. This may be the quickest way to obtain the information that you are looking for. If you cannot find what you need in the Publication Scheme, you can apply to the Department for the information. This should be done in writing (including email) for requests for information under the FOI Act, although we will accept requests for Environmental Information by phone or in person at one of our offices. An electronic form is available on this website to assist you in providing us with the information we need to process the request as quickly as possible. In certain circumstances you may be required to pay a fee before the information can be provided.

If you are uncertain of how to make a request or want guidance on the information held by the Department, you can phone Information Management Branch on 02890 524199 or send an email with your contact details to dard.informationmanager@dardni.gov.uk and we will arrange for someone to assist you.

If you are dissatisfied with the response you have received from the Department, you can seek a review. This should be done in writing clearly setting out the grounds why you believe the Department has not complied with your rights under the FOI Act. A senior official who was not associated with the original decision concerning the response to your request will carry out the review. If, after exhuasting the Department's review process, you are still not satisfied, you have the right to appeal to the Information Commissioner. You should note that the Information Commissioner will only consider an appeal after you have sought a review from the Department and have recieved a response.

The contact address for correspondence concerning requests for information is:

The Departmental Information Manager
Information Management Branch
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Room 507
Dundonald House
Upper Newtownards Road
Belfast
BT4 3SB