Freedom of Information Act, 1997
|
Appeal to High Court. |
42.—(1) A party to a review under section 34 or any other person affected by the decision of the Commissioner following such a review may appeal to the High Court on a point of law from the decision. | |
(2) The requester concerned or any other person affected by— | ||
(a) the issue of a certificate under section 25 , | ||
(b) a decision, pursuant to section 8 , to refuse to grant a request under section 7 in relation to a record the subject of such a certificate, or | ||
(c) a decision, pursuant to section 14 , to refuse to grant, or to uphold a decision to refuse to grant, such a request, | ||
may appeal to the High Court on a point of law against such issue or from such decision. | ||
(3) A person may appeal to the High Court from— | ||
(a) a decision under section 14 , or | ||
(b) a decision specified in paragraph (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) or (g) of subsection (1) of that section (other than such a decision made by a person to whom the function stood delegated under section 4 at the time of the making of the decision), | ||
made by the Commissioner in respect of a record held by the Office of the Commissioner or (in a case where the same person holds the office of Ombudsman and the office of Commissioner) made by the Ombudsman in respect of a record held by the Office of the Ombudsman. | ||
(4) An appeal under subsection (1), (2) or (3) shall be initiated not later than 4 weeks after notice of the decision concerned was given to the person bringing the appeal. | ||
(5) The Commissioner may refer any question of law arising in a review under section 34 to the High Court for determination, and the Commissioner may postpone the making of a decision following the review until such time as he or she considers convenient after the determination of the High Court. | ||
(6) (a) Where an appeal under this section by a person other than a head is dismissed by the High Court, that Court may, if it considers that the point of law concerned was of exceptional public importance, order that some or all of the costs of the person in relation to the appeal be paid by the public body concerned. | ||
(b) The High Court may order that some or all of the costs of a person (other than a head) in relation to a reference under this section be paid by the public body concerned. | ||
(7) A decision of the High Court following an appeal under subsection (1), (2) or (3) shall, where appropriate, specify the period within which effect shall be given to the decision. | ||
(8) The decision of the High Court on an appeal or reference under this section shall be final and conclusive. |