Information Commissioner Emily O'Reilly has said there has been a 56% reduction in the number of non-personal requests under Freedom of Information legislation since fees were introduced.
Ms O'Reilly has made a number of recommendations on changes to the legislation governing Freedom of Information.
They include that the records of the Health and Safety Authority become accessible under the Act, and that people should get refunds where they have successfully appealed the decision of a public body.
She asked that the Minister for Finance, Brian Cowen, reviews the unqualified right to access records of a deceased spouse, partner or next of kin.
It is also recommended that fees for 'internal review' of FOI decisions should be brought into line with other jurisdictions that either do not charge, or have a nominal fee.
The 2003 amendment of the Freedom Of Information Act set fees of €15 for an initial request, €75 for an 'internal review' and €150 for an application to the Information Commissioner.
