Freedom of Information

The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2000 provides a general right of access to information held by public authorities in the UK. This is subject to certain exemptions.

The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) are obliged to publish information and make it easily accessible to the public. Our publication scheme lists the types of information that we publish or intend to publish. Most of these publications can be downloaded free of charge.

How do I make a request for information?

You can make a written request for information if it is not available from the publication scheme.   

You should consider if we are the most appropriate authority before sending your request. If you write directly to the authority that holds the information, your request will be answered earlier.

Requests for information must be made in writing to:

or by emailing info@ppsni.gov.uk 

Please give your name, address (email or home) and describe the information requested in as much detail as possible.

How will my request be processed?

If the information you request is already available we will direct you to where you can obtain the information.

If your request does not relate to the PPS we will try to provide contact details of other authorities who may be able to help you. We will not transfer your request to other authorities without contacting you first.

If your request relates to un-published information held by the PPS we will acknowledge your request. We will provide you with a response within 20 working days of receiving the request.

The 20 day deadline can be extended if, for example, we need to write to you seeking clarification on your request; the clock stops until we receive a response.

Are there any fees?

Responses to requests that cost less than £600 to process are provided free of charge. If a request is estimated to cost more than £600 to process, we have the right to refuse to respond to the request. You will be notified if this is the case.

Can all information be released?

The FOI Act recognises that there may be valid reasons for withholding information and provides some exemptions. For example, information about national security, law enforcement or personal information can be exempt from release.

We will not be able to answer all or part of your request if the PPS does not hold the information.

What if I am dissatisfied with the response I receive?

You have the right to request a review if you are unhappy with the handling of your request. You should do this as soon as possible, within two months of the date our response was issued. Requests must be made in writing to:

or by emailing info@ppsni.gov.uk 

You should state clearly the grounds on which you are requesting the review.

If you remain dissatisfied with the handling of your request following an internal review, you may make a complaint to the Information Commissioners Office.

What about personal data?

The FOI Act is in relation to non-personal information. If you want information of a personal nature, the request should be made as a Rights of Access request under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, in writing to:

or by emailing info@ppsni.gov.uk 

You will need to provide adequate identification before your request is processed. Once this has been received we will provide a response within one calendar month.