Freedom of Information
We are subject to the North/South Ministerial Council approved Code of Practice on access to information. The Code of Practice was based on the Freedom of Information Acts 1997 and 2003 in Ireland and the Freedom of Information Act 2000 in the United Kingdom.
The aim of this Code is to help the public access information held by us leading to greater openness and accountability and increased public confidence in the workings of the North/South Bodies. It should also improve the quality of decision making by the North/South Bodies.
Making a Request
You can make a request for information by email to kstewart@ulsterscotsagency.org.uk, or in writing to:
Director of Corporate Services, The Ulster-Scots Agency, The Corn Exchange, 31 Gordon Street, Belfast, BT1 2LG.
In your request you should include:
- Your full name
- Postal address including postcode
- Contact telephone number
- E-mail address
- Details of the information you are requesting.
The Process
When we receive your request, we will issue an acknowledgment within five working days followed by a formal response no later than 20 working days from the date of receipt. We may contact you if we need clarification on the information you have requested. Where a significant volume of information and/or where consultation with a third party is required, we may require an extension on the 20-day timeframe.
Unhappy with our response?
If your request is refused or information is excluded from the release, we will reply explaining why, identifying which exemption(s) has been applied where appropriate and telling you how to apply for a review of the decision. If you remain dissatisfied after the review, you can appeal to the Northern Ireland Public Sector Ombudsman or the Ombudsman of Ireland.