Public Service - Scotland puts FOI information online

Wednesday, September 17, 2008
10:11 AM

Scotland puts FOI information onlineTuesday, September 16, 2008 The Scottish Parliament is making replies to Freedom of Information (FOI) easier to find and read. The parliament’s website now features a disclosure log with links to the documents that were released as a result of a request. Many FOI requests are never publicly revealed because the government grants a single applicant to see the information. This new programme will allow anyone to see every piece of information released under the act. Presiding officer Alex Fergusson, said: "The Parliament already publishes much of the information it produces on its website including parliamentary reports, minutes of meetings and details of MSPs' reimbursed expenses. "This development, which gives everyone instant access to information released under FoI, highlights the Scottish Parliament's ongoing commitment to openness and transparency." The system will also have a search facility to allow users to easily find information. Although some statutory exemptions will apply, most information requested under the FOI will be posted online the same day it is released to the person who requested it. Inserted from <http://www.publicservice.co.uk/news_story.asp?id=7085>