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Information relating to the Freedom of Information Act (Cap. 496), Article 17(1)

The Freedom of Information Act (Cap. 496) gives the general public the right to request documents or information from Public Authorities. There are specific limitations to this right, while a number of obligations are imposed on Public Authorities. In fulfilling its statutory obligations, the Central Bank of Malta (the Bank) is providing the following information which can be used as guidance to better inform the general public about its work and functions. 

The Act came fully into force on 1 September 2012.

Mission, Functions, Structure and Governance

For a description of the Bank’s mission, functions, organisation structure and governance click on the links below:

• Mission
• Functions
• Organisation structure
• Governance

To find out more on the Bank’s approach to the freedom of information click on the Freedom of Information Code of Practice.

General description of the categories of documents held

The Bank holds documents falling under the following categories:

• Policy documents, consultative papers, reports, studies and related working documents on themes that fall within the functions of the Bank
• Multilateral and Bilateral National & International Agreements (Memoranda of Understanding)
• Draft legislation up to publication stage
• Briefing notes and speaking notes for use by the Governors
• Documentation and correspondence relating to pertinent matters of international import
• Documents related to the implementation of the Bank’s initiatives
• Dossiers related to procurement
• Personal files of the Bank’s employees
• Agenda items, Minutes of Meetings, Speeches and Interviews.

Description of all manuals and similar types of documents

The Bank holds the following documents, in accordance with which decisions or recommendations are made in respect of members of the public (including bodies corporate and employees of the Bank in their personal capacity): 

• Documents related to the procedures adopted to administer the Bank’s procurement process, such as the issue of public tenders
• Documents related to currency notes and coins, such as mutilated and demonetized notes, sale of collectors’ coins, and reproduction of banknotes
• Documents related to the Bank’s external relations with the general public
• Procedures used in the retail and wholesale trading of Treasury Bills and Government Bonds
• Procedures used during the internal and external recruitment
• Data Protection and Freedom of Information procedures
• General administrative rules for the Bank’s Library users
• Documents related to Retail Banking services.

Kindly note that some of the information listed above is exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (Cap. 496).

Requesting Information

Before requesting information held by the Bank under the Freedom of Information Act, a prior check of the website is suggested to see if the required information is already published.  If this is not readily available, a Request for Document/Information Form must be completed to request information from the Bank. This form may be personally collected at the Bank's premises or else downloaded here.

Freedom of Information requests for information or documents held by the Bank are to be sent by e-mail or in writing to:

Freedom of Information Officer,
Central Bank of Malta,
Pjazza Kastilja,
Valletta, VLT 1060

Alternatively, an FOI application can be submitted online, using the individual’s eID on www.foi.gov.mt.

Fees for making a request

The Bank shall charge fees for access to documents or information under the provisions of the Act in accordance with Fees charged by Public Authorities for Access to Documents Regulations (L.N. 158 of 2010), as follows: 

The Bank charges processing fees depending on the time spent processing the request, measured in man-hours.  Specifically, the following processing fees shall apply:

Whenever additional expenses are incurred to make the requested document or information available to the applicant, irrespective of whether this was the format preferred by the applicant in the request, the Bank charges an additional fee. Specifically, the following additional fees shall apply:

Electronic documents available through the Bank’s website shall be free of charge.

Effecting Payment

Following a request for information, the applicant will be duly informed of the fees that the Bank intends to charge. Applicants can effect payment for fees in respect of documents/information requested through cheques payable to the Central Bank of Malta delivered by hand or through the post, or through a cash payment.  On receipt of payment, a receipt will be issued.

Queries

Queries regarding the Bank’s approach to the freedom of information should be directed to the Freedom of Information Officer on (+356) 2550 6703 or by e-mail.

Complaints

In the event that the applicant is not in agreement with the Bank’s handling of the request, the applicant may lodge a complaint in line with the Bank’s Internal Complaints Procedure.  A Complaint Form must be used to lodge a complaint with the Bank. This form may be collected at the Bank's premises or else downloaded here.

Freedom of Information complaints are to be sent by e-mail or in writing to the:

FOI Complaints Officer,
Central Bank of Malta,
Pjazza Kastilja,
Valletta, VLT 1060

The Freedom of Information Act entitles the applicant to address complaints or to seek investigation and review by the Information and Data Protection Commissioner, as the case may be, following recourse to the Bank’s Internal Complaints Procedure.