10 No. of 2002]
Functions of
Commission
Freedom of Information
7. (1) The functions of the Commission shall be —
(a) to ensure that the purposes of this Act are effectively carried
out;
(b) on request —
(i) act as a conduit for requests for access to
information from members of the public;
(ii) identify the relevant public authority; and
(iii) collect the requested information;
(c ) assist in realising the right to amend or comment on personal
information held by a public authority;
(d) to receive, and consider applications for review of decisions
of public authorities relating to access to information by
persons requesting for information under this Act and
applications for review by those persons or by third parties;
(e) to make recommendations to the relevant public authorities
resulting from the review of applications referred to in
paragraph (b); and
(f) to perform such other functions as are conferred upon the
Commission by or under this Act.
(2) The Commission shall publish, every year, in a form accessible
to the general public, a guide which shall include —
(a) the objectives of this Act;
(b) the contact details of the Commission;
(c ) the methods of applying for information; and
(d) the assistance which is available to the public from the
Commission.
(3) The Commission shall be independent in the performance of
its functions and shall not be subject to any direction, or political
interference, by any person.
8. (1) The Commission may, for the purpose of performing its
functions under this Act —
(a) give directions of a general nature to public authorities in
connection with the performance of their functions under
this Act;
(b) carry out investigations relating to applications for review
made under section twenty-nine;
(c ) administer oaths, and hear and receive evidence;
(d) enter and inspect premises to which an application for review
relates;
(e) question any person, whether or not that person is employed
by the public authority to which the application for review
relates; or
N.A.B 14, 2002
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