FoI 22-25: Information in regards to the proposed ban on hunting with dogs

Information Standards Freedom of Information Response

12 March 2025

Our Ref: FoI 22-25

Freedom of Information Act 2000

I am writing to confirm that the Northern Ireland Assembly Commission (Assembly Commission) has processed your request dated 18 February 2025 in line with the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA). In your request, you asked that the Assembly Commission provide-

 

"In relation to the proposed ban on hunting with dogs, please provide me with the following;

  1. The names of all farming organisations consulted by Mr Blair MLA
  2. The names of any individual farmers consulted by Mr Blair MLA
  3. Any document or correspondence related to these consultations, including minutes of meetings of meetings, emails or reports."

 

Our Response

The Assembly Commission does not hold this information. While the Assembly can support members in development of Member's bills, consultation on policy proposals is a matter for the individual member.

You may wish to contact Mr Blair directly via his Assembly email address to see whether he would be willing to provide you with the information you have requested. However, you should be aware that the FOIA does not apply to individual Members. Mr Blair's email address is john.blair@mla.niassembly.gov.uk

 

Further Information

You have the right to request an internal review of this decision by the Assembly Commission. If you wish to request such a review, please write to me at the above address. If, after that review, you are dissatisfied with the way in which the Assembly Commission has handled your request for information, you may complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF.

Your request for information and our response may be published in the disclosure log maintained by the Assembly Commission under a publication scheme agreed with the ICO. The request and our response will be anonymised.

Yours faithfully

Data Protection and Governance Officer

Information Standards