Petitions and the Right to Information

Two complementary rights

The right of petition allows a person to submit a request, complaint or view to the competent authority. The right to information provides access, within statutory limits, to information and documents held by public bodies. One application may ask both for action and for records.

Writing an effective petition

• Applicant’s name, contact details and signature
• The institution and responsible unit
• A short chronological account
• A clear description of the information, document or action sought
• Any file, decision or record number
• A list of enclosures and proof of delivery

Not all information must be disclosed

Exceptions may protect state security, continuing investigations, personal data, trade secrets, internal preparation and third-party rights. If only part of a document is exempt, disclosure of the separable remainder and reasons for refusal may be required.

No response or refusal

Ask in writing for the statutory basis of refusal and the available remedy. Internal review, the Information Assessment Board or other supervisory bodies, and where conditions are met the High Administrative Court, may each carry distinct procedures and time limits.