In recent days the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has become aware of the disclosure of work permit data by the Immigration Department in response to a request made under the Freedom of Information Law, 2007, and the subsequent injunction issued by the Grand Court.

The ICO has opened an investigation of this matter under authority of sections 46 and 44 of the FOI Law, and intends to publish its findings in a report to follow.

The Acting Information Commissioner, Mr. Jan Liebaers said: “While the focus of the FOI Law is clearly on openness, transparency and accountability, the Law does not endorse the disclosure of all information held by public authorities. Instead, it provides for a careful balancing of interests when questions of disclosure are considered by information managers, chief officers and the ICO. Where personal information is concerned, the Law and related Regulations outline step-by-step procedures to invite input from third-party individuals whose personal data is being considered for disclosure. Our investigation will determine whether these procedures and any other applicable provisions were followed in this case.”