1010. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of FOI requests his Department, and each agency under his auspices, received in each year 2020 to 2025, and to date in 2026; the number that were refused on original decision; the number for which reviews were sought and the number of those reviews whereby the original decision was amended; the number for which subsequent appeals were submitted; the number of those appeals which resulted in an amendment to the original decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61043/26]

My Department administers FOI requests consistently, following the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2014 and every FOI request receives an unbiased review, based solely on the provisions of the Act. My officials apply an objective, standardised approach to the processing of all FOI requests, ensuring uniform fairness and equal treatment across all records.

Under the FOI Act, my Department operates under a legal presumption of openness. This means that all relevant records are carefully assessed with a view to public release. Records are withheld only in instances where specific, legally defined exemption provisions under the Act, such as personal privacy or commercial sensitivity, strictly apply.

I have set out below in tabular format, the number of FOI requests received in my Department for each year 2020-2026, the number refusals, the number of decisions which were subject to internal review and appeal to the Office of the Information Commissioner and the outcome of those statutory processes. This includes all decisions made in 2026 to date.

The requested information in respect of offices and agencies of my Department is being compiled and will be provided in full to the Deputy within 10 working days.