DEFA decision not to respond to FOI deemed 'inappropriate'

It wanted to see correspondence with RTC referring to the use of racist language

A decision by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture not to respond to a Freedom of Information request has been deemed 'inappropriate' by the Information Commissioner.

It was asking for copies of correspondence between the department and Ramsey Town Commissioners referring to the use of racist language during a one-month period.

DEFA had originally said it could not find the information requested.

When a review of that decision was called for, it refused to undertake one, stating the applicant did not meet the criteria to qualify.

However, the Information Commissioner has deemed that decision 'inappropriate', saying DEFA did not appear to have undertaken a reasonable search for the information.

As a result, it must now re-process the request and provide a new response.