Freedom of Information Act Publication Scheme
1. Introducing the Freedom of Information Act
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 has come into effect to promote greater openness and accountability across the public sector. It requires all ‘public authorities’ to make information available proactively. The Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company (NITHCo) and Translink supports this objective and intends to be as open as possible in carrying out its business.
The Act provides a general right of access by members of the public to information held by public bodies, although there are certain exemptions. Individuals already have the right to access information about themselves, under the 1998 Data Protection Act. The Freedom of Information Act extends this right.
Under the Freedom of Information Act (Section 19) each public authority must adopt and maintain a ‘Publication Scheme’, as a proactive step in putting its information into the public domain.
The Act also places specific requirements on how written requests for information should be handled by public authorities.
An Information Commissioner has been appointed. It is the role of this public official and his office to ensure that the requirements of the Act are complied with. (For more information on the Information Commissioner’s role and the Act’s requirements visit the website: www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk or by contacting the Information Commissioner at Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF. Telephone: 01625 545 700. Facsimile: 01625 524 510).
2. What is a Publication Scheme?
A Publication Scheme is a document that describes the information a public authority publishes, or intends to publish. In this context, ‘publish’ means to make information available, routinely.
The description comprises ‘classes of information’. The Publication Scheme is the public authority’s commitment to make available the information described.
In this NITHCo/Translink Publication Scheme we set out details of the categories of information published, how it is made available to you, and whether or not charges will be made.
3. About NITHCo/Translink
The Board of NITHCo is responsible to the Department for Regional Development for the operations undertaken by its subsidiary Translink companies.
This public corporation was established by the Transport Act (Northern Ireland) in 1967 to manage public transport services in Northern Ireland. The Minister for Regional Development appoints NITHCo Board Members. Translink is the group name for the integrated public transport services operated by Metro (formerly known as Citybus), Northern Ireland Railways and Ulsterbus, that were brought together under integrated management in 1995.
Translink’s Chief Executive reports to the NITHCo Board that has responsibility for approving the companies’ strategic and corporate plans.
“To provide a transformed network of coordinated bus and rail services which attracts a growing number of passengers, enjoys public confidence and is recognised for its quality and innovation.”
Translink Statement of Vision
4. How to use our Publication Scheme
The Publication Scheme describes information that the transport companies publish under the three headings:-
In this way are listed the group’s publications providing information on its services, the companies’ performance, plans, and general public information or safety messages that NITHCo/Translink issues.
Individual items required may be downloaded free of charge.
5. What information is available under our Scheme?
In our Publication Scheme we have described all the information that we publish. We intend regularly to add to the Publication Scheme as new material is published. In all cases, the most current versions of information made available by NITHCo/Translink will be accessible via the corporate website.
Information falling within any one of the exemptions specified within the Freedom of Information Act, for example, personal data and information that would affect the commercial operations of NITHCo/Translink, will be excluded from release.
What about information not covered by the publication scheme?
Since 1 January 2005 you have the right, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, to request any information held by a public authority which it has not already made available through its Publication Scheme.
Requests must be made in writing and, in general, public authorities will have 20 working days to respond. They will not be required to release information to which an exemption in the Act legitimately applies. However, public authorities may be required to explain to the applicant why they are not releasing information.
6. Related Publications Schemes
The information being made available under this scheme relates to the core functions of NITHCo/Translink. At this point in time the principal related publication scheme is that of the Department for Regional Development.
7. Copyright
Translink copyright material may be reproduced in any format or medium, provided it is reproduced accurately. You may re-use or reproduce all or parts of a publication as a source material for educational purposes or for personal use. Where information is being republished, we ask that the source material be acknowledged, with the title of the original publication cited, and Translink given as the publisher.
8. Are there charges involved?
Translink will not make a charge for access to or downloading of the published information described in its Publication Scheme.
The company reserves the right however to review and amend its charging policy.
9. Contact and Address Details
All information being made available under this Publication Scheme can be obtained by download from this website or by writing to:
| Information Manager Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company 22 Great Victoria Street Belfast BT2 7LX |
Freedom of Information Co-ordinator Translink Central Station East Bridge Street Belfast BT1 3PB |
| Tel: 028 9024 3456 Fax: 028 9033 3845 Email: nithc@dialstart.net |
Tel: 028 9089 9400 Fax: 028 9089 9403 E mail: foi@translink.co.uk |
It is important that our Publication Scheme meets your needs, and we will review the scheme regularly. We welcome your suggestions on how our scheme may be improved.
Any suggestions, questions or complaints about this scheme should be sent in writing to the Information Manager at NITHCo or the Freedom of Information Co-ordinator at Translink (addresses above).
Complaints
Any complaint made in writing about the NITHCo/Translink failure to make available information in the manner described in this Scheme will be fully investigated. If you complain, you will receive a reply within 15 working days.
Should you not be satisfied with the reply, you could then write to the Translink Marketing Executive who has overall responsibility for Freedom of Information issues within Translink or the Director of Corproate Affairs who has responsibility within NITHCo. Again, a response can be expected within 15 working days.
If we are unable to resolve any complaint, you can complain to the Information Commissioner, who will make an independent judgement on the matter:
Information Commissioner
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF.
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