Source: http://www.rti-rating.org/view_country.php?country_name=Italy
Timestamp: 2013-06-20 01:46:23+00:00

Document:
Italy Section Max ScoreScore
Right to Access	6	2 Scope	30	21 Requesting procedures	30 7	Exceptions	30 6	Appeals	30 13 Sanctions	8	2 Promotional measures	16	7 TOTAL	150	58 With the colaboration of:	Italy > Right To Access Indicator Description Scoring instructions MAX score Findings Points Article Comments
Tutti i documenti amministrativi sono accessibili, ad eccezione di quelli indicati all'articolo 24, commi 1, 2, 3, 5 e 6.
Art. 22, par 2: L'accesso ai documenti amministrativi, attese le sue rilevanti finalità di pubblico interesse, costituisce principio generale dell'attività amministrativa al fine di favorire la partecipazione e di assicurarne l'imparzialità e la trasparenza.
Reviewer comment: even if Article 22, par 2 does not call specifically for a broad interpretation, it implies it by stating that the access to admin documents is inspired by the general principle of transparency of the public administration.
Italy > Scope Indicator Description Scoring instructions MAX score Findings Points Article Comments
Partially " Art. 22
per ""interessati"", tutti i soggetti privati, compresi quelli portatori di interessi pubblici o diffusi, che abbiano un interesse diretto, concreto e attuale, corrispondente ad una situazione giuridicamente tutelata e collegata al documento al quale è chiesto l'accesso
Art 22: per "documento amministrativo", ogni rappresentazione grafica, fotocinematografica, elettromagnetica o di qualunque altra specie del contenuto di atti, anche interni o non relativi ad uno specifico procedimento, detenuti da una pubblica amministrazione e concernenti attività di pubblico interesse, indipendentemente dalla natura pubblicistica o privatistica della loro disciplina sostanziale;
Article 22 b). Anyone who has a personal and concrete interest for the defence of legally important situations may exercise the right of access to documents... 7 The right of access applies to the executive branch with no bodies or classes of information excluded.This includes executive (cabinet) and adminsitration including all ministries, departments, local government, public schools, public health care bodies, the police, the armed forces, security services, and bodies owned or controlled by the above.Score 4 points for central government agencies covered: 1 for the head of state, 1 for ministries, 1 for other non-statutory agencies created by the ministries, 1 for state and local government if the government is unitary. If it´s a federalist system, 2 points for the non-statutory agencies. This can be determined by examining the length and thoroughness of the list, if such a schedule exists. Score 1 point for the archives. Add three points and deduct 1 for each exempted central agency (such as the armed forces, police, etc).8
YES "Art. 22.
Art: 29, par 2-quater: ""Le regioni e gli enti locali, nel disciplinare i procedimenti amministrativi di loro competenza, non possono stabilire garanzie inferiori a quelle assicurate ai privati dalle disposizioni attinenti ai livelli essenziali delle prestazioni di cui ai commi 2-bis e 2-ter, ma possono prevedere livelli ulteriori di tutela".
Partially " Art. 22.
per ""pubblica amministrazione"", tutti i soggetti di diritto pubblico e i soggetti di diritto privato limitatamente alla loro attività di pubblico interesse disciplinata dal diritto nazionale o comunitario.
Only admninistrative documents
per "pubblica amministrazione", tutti i soggetti di diritto pubblico e i soggetti di diritto privato limitatamente alla loro attività di pubblico interesse disciplinata dal diritto nazionale o comunitario. ARTICLE 29, PAR 1: ""Le disposizioni della presente legge si applicano, altresì, alle società con totale o prevalente capitale pubblico, limitatamente all'esercizio delle funzioni amministrative."
YES " Art. 22.
THE LAW MAKES NO MENTION WHATSOEVER TO PUBLIC FUNDING RECEIVED BY PRIVATE BODIES, BUT ONLY TO THEIR PUBLIC FUNCTION (IF THEY EXERCISE ONE). Italy > Requesting Procedures Indicator Description Scoring instructions MAX score Findings Points Article Comments
NO Art. 3.Motivazione del provvedimento Ogni provvedimento amministrativo, compresi quelli concernenti l'organizzazione amministrativa, lo svolgimento dei pubblici concorsi ed il personale, deve essere motivato, salvo che nelle ipotesi previste dal comma secondo. La motivazione deve indicare i presupposti di fatto e le ragioni giuridiche che hanno determinato la decisione della amministrazione, in relazione alle risultanze della istruttoria.
14 Requesters are only required to provide the details necessary for identifying and delivering the information (i.e. some form of address for delivery).Score Max 2 points and deduct if requesters are required to give any of the following: ID number, telephone number, residential address, etc.2 Partially " CHANGED BY COMMISSION DECISION - NOW YES (NOT NECESSARY TO SPECIFY EXACT DOC)
SEE DECISION OF COMMISSION FOR ACCESS TO ADMIN DOCS, DECISION 11 MARCH 2011: http://www.commissioneaccesso.it/massime_supporto/11mar01.aspx"
Reasons need to be stated
15 There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law.Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. 2 Partially not mentioned - NOT MENTIONED IN THE LAW BUT SPECIFIED IN ARTICLE 5 OF THE REGULATION (NO. 184/2006) WHEN THE REQUEST CAN BE INFORMAL (I.E., WHEN THERE ARE NO THIRD PARTIES INTERESTED). I THINK THIS MAY AFFECT YOUR SCORE, FROM 0 TO 1.)
16 Public officials are required provide assistance to help requesters formulate their requests, or to contact and assist requesters where requests that have been made are vague, unduly broad or otherwise need clarification. Score 1 point for help in formulation and 1 point for clarification procedures2 NO not mentioned
18 Requesters are provided with a receipt or acknowledgement upon lodging a request within a reasonable timeframe, which should not exceed 5 working daysScore 1 point for receipt, 1 point for max 5 working days2 Partially THE REGULATION ESTABLISHES THE NEED TO RELEASE A RECEIPT FOR FORMAL REQUESTS BUT DOES NOT SPECIFY THE TIME. NORMALLY IT IS RELEASED PROMPTLY (WITHIN 5 WORKING DAYS), BUT DELAYS ARE POSSIBLE.
19 Clear and appropriate procedures are in place for situations where the authority to which a request is directed does not have the requested information. This includes an obligation to inform the requester that the information is not held and to refer the requester to another institution or to transfer the request where the public authority knows where the information is held.Score: 1 point for information not held, 1 for referrals or 2 for transfers2 Partially ARTICLE 6, PAR 2 OF THE REGULATION, FOR FORMAL REQUESTS: " La richiesta formale presentata ad amministrazione diversa da quella nei cui confronti va esercitato il diritto di accesso e' dalla stessa immediatamente trasmessa a quella competente. Di tale trasmissione e' data comunicazione all'interessato."
20 Public authorities are required to comply with requesters’ preferences regarding how they access information, subject only to clear and limited overrides (e.g. to protect a record).Score: 2 points for Yes, only 1 point if some limitations2 NO not mentioned
21 Public authorities are required to respond to requests as soon as possible.Score: No=0, Yes=2 points 2 NO IS MENTIONED BOTH IN THE LAW (ART. 25, PAR 4) AND IN THE REGULATION (ARTICLE 6, PAR 4), BUT THE TIMEFRAME IS 30 WORKING DAYS
22 There are clear and reasonable maximum timelines (20 working days or less) for responding to requests, regardless of the manner of satisfying the request (including through publication).Score: 1 point for timeframes of 20 working days (or 1 month, 30 days or 4 weeks). Score 2 points for 10 working days (or 15 days, or two weeks) or less.2 NO Art 25: Decorsi inutilmente trenta giorni dalla richiesta, questa si intende respinta. 23 There are clear limits on timeline extensions (20 working days or less), including a requirement that requesters be notified and provided with the reasons for the extension.---2 NO THE LAW AND REGULATION TALK ABOUT "DEFERRAL" BUT WITHOUT SPECIFYING THE TIMEFRAMES
24 It is free to file requests.Score: No=0, Yes=2 points2 YES Art 25: Modalità di esercizio del diritto di accesso e ricorsi Il diritto di accesso si esercita mediante esame ed estrazione di copia dei documenti amministrativi, nei modi e con i limiti indicati dalla presente legge. L'esame dei documenti é gratuito. Il rilascio di copia é subordinato soltanto al rimborso del costo di riproduzione, salve le disposizioni vigenti in materia di bollo, nonché i diritti di ricerca e di visura.
25 There are clear rules relating to access fees, which are set centrally, rather than being determined by individual public authorities. These include a requirement that fees be limited to the cost of reproducing and sending the information (so that inspection of documents and electronic copies are free) and a certain initial number of pages (at least 20) are provided for free. Score 1 point for fees being limited to reproduction and delivery costs and set centrally, 1 point for at least 20 pages free of charge or for fees being optional2 Partially Art 25: Modalità di esercizio del diritto di accesso e ricorsi Il diritto di accesso si esercita mediante esame ed estrazione di copia dei documenti amministrativi, nei modi e con i limiti indicati dalla presente legge. L'esame dei documenti é gratuito. Il rilascio di copia é subordinato soltanto al rimborso del costo di riproduzione, salve le disposizioni vigenti in materia di bollo, nonché i diritti di ricerca e di visura.
Italy > Exceptions Indicator Description Scoring instructions MAX score Findings Points Article Comments
28 The standards in the RTI Law trump restrictions on information disclosure (secrecy provisions) in other legislation to the extent of any conflict.Score 4 points for a resounding "yes" and 1/2/3 points if only for some classes of information or for some exceptions. If the state secrets law is not trumped by the RTI law max score is 2 points. >4 NO not mentioned
29 The exceptions to the right of access are consistent with international standards. Permissible exceptions are: national security; international relations; public health and safety; the prevention, investigation and prosecution of legal wrongs; privacy; legitimate commercial and other economic interests; management of the economy; fair administration of justice and legal advice privilege; conservation of the environment; and legitimate policy making and other operations of public authorities. It is also permissible to refer requesters to information which is already publicly available, for example online or in published form.Score 10 points and then deduct 1 point for each exception which either (a) falls outside of this list and/or (b) is more broadly framed10 Partially "Articolo 24. (1)
30 A harm test applies to all exceptions, so that it is only where disclosure poses a risk of actual harm to a protected interest that it may be refused. Score 4 points and then deduct 1 point for each exception which is not subject to the harm test 4 NO not mentioned
31 There is a mandatory public interest override so that information must be disclosed where this is in the overall public interest, even if this may harm a protected interest. There are ‘hard’ overrides (which apply absolutely), for example for information about human rights, corruption or crimes against humanity.Consider whether the override is subject to overarching limitations, whether it applies to only some exceptions, and whether it is mandatory.4 NO not mentioned
33 Clear and appropriate procedures are in place for consulting with third parties who provided information which is the subject of a request on a confidential basis. Public authorities shall take into account any objections by third parties when considering requests for information, but third parties do not have veto power over the release of information.Score: 1 point for consultation, 1 further point if original time frames must be respected and the law allows for expedited appeals.2 Partially Intervento nel procedimento Qualunque soggetto, portatore di interessi pubblici o privati, nonché i portatori di interessi diffusi costituiti in associazioni o comitati, cui possa derivare un pregiudizio dal provvedimento, hanno facoltà di intervenire nel procedimento. 34 There is a severability clause so that where only part of a record is covered by an exception the remainder must be disclosed. Score 1 point if yes but sometimes can be refused (eg: if deletions render meaningless the document) and 2 points if partial access must always be granted2 NO not mentioned
35 When refusing to provide access to information, public authorities must a) state the exact legal grounds and reason(s) for the refusal and b) inform the applicant of the relevant appeals procedures.Score Y/N: 1 point for a and 1 point for b2 Partially Italy > Appeals Indicator Description Scoring instructions MAX score Findings Points Article Comments
36 The law offers an internal appeal which is simple, free of charge and completed within clear timelines (20 working days or less).Score 2 points if the internal appeal fulfills these criteria, 1 point if an appeal is offered that does not fulfill this criteria, 0 for no internal appeals.2 NO ARTICLE 24, PAR 4 DOES MENTION THE TIMEFRAMES, BUT IT IS 30 DAYS
37 Requesters have the right to lodge an (external) appeal with an independent administrative oversight body (e.g. an information commission or ombudsman). 1 for partial, 2 for yes2 Partially Art. 27. (nota)Commissione per l'accesso ai documenti amministrativi. Only partially as the independent overview body is not independent but appointed by the Government. However, for requests lodged to local administrations, it is possible to appeal to the Regional Administrative Tribunal or to the Regional Ombudsman. The latter is independent, even if situated at the Region's admin office.
38 The member(s) of the oversight body are appointed in a manner that is protected against political interference and have security of tenure so they are protected against arbitrary dismissal (procedurally/substantively) once appointed.Score: 1 point for appointment procedure, 1 point for security of tenure2 YES LAW NO. 15 OF 2005 ESTABLISHES THAT APPEALS TO THE COMMISSION FOR ACCESS TO ADMIN DOCS ARE FREE OF CHARGE AND NO LEGAL ASSISTANCE IS NEEDED.
39 The oversight body reports to and has its budget approved by the parliament, or other effective mechanisms are in place to protect its financial independence.Score 1 point for reports to parliament, 1 point for budget approved by parliament2 YES Art 25: In caso di diniego dell'accesso, espresso o tacito, o di differimento dello stesso ai sensi dell'articolo 24, comma 4, il richiedente può presentare ricorso al tribunale amministrativo regionale ovvero chiedere, nello stesso termine e nei confronti degli atti delle amministrazioni comunali, provinciali e regionali, al difensore civico competente per ambito territoriale, ove costituito, che sia riesaminata la suddetta determinazione. Qualora tale organo non sia stato istituito, la competenza è attribuita al difensore civico competente per l'ambito territoriale immediatamente superiore. Nei confronti degli atti delle amministrazioni centrali e periferiche dello Stato tale richiesta è inoltrata presso la Commissione per l'accesso di cui all'articolo 27 nonchè presso l'amministrazione resistente.
40 There are prohibitions on individuals with strong political connections from being appointed to this body and requirements of professional expertise.Score 1 point for not politically connected, 1 point for professional expertise2 YES ARTICLE 24, PAR 4 (BOTH FOR REFUSALS AND FOR SILENCE OF THE PUBLIC ADMIN).
41 The independent oversight body has the necessary mandate and power to perform its functions, including to review classified documents and inspect the premises of public bodies..Score 1 point for reviewing classified documents, 1 point for inspection powers2 NO not mentioned
43 In deciding an appeal, the independent oversight body has the power to order appropriate remedies for the requester, including the declassification of information. 1 for partial, 2 for fully2 YES THEY ARE BINDING BUT THEY CAN BE FURTHER APPEALED TO THE REGIONAL ADMIN TRIBUNAL (SEE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE AND LAW NO. 15/2005)
44 Requesters have the right to lodge a judicial appeal.1 for partially, 2 for fully.2 YES NEW POWERS GRANTED BY LAW NO. 15/2005
45 Appeals to the oversight body (where applicable, or to the judiciary if no such body exists) are free of charge and do not require legal assistance.1 for free, 1 for no lawyer required. 2 NO not mentioned
46 The grounds for appeal to the oversight body (where applicable, or to the judiciary if no such body exists) are broad (including not only refusals to provide information but also refusals to provide information in the form requested, administrative silence and other breach of timelines, charging excessive fees, etc.).Score 1 point for appealing refusals, additional points for appealing other violations.4 NO "Art. 27. (nota)Commissione per l'accesso ai documenti amministrativi. La Commissione è nominata con decreto del Presidente del Consiglio dei ministri, sentito il Consiglio dei ministri. Essa è presieduta dal sottosegretario di Stato alla Presidenza del Consiglio dei ministri ed è composta da dodici membri, dei quali due senatori e due deputati, designati dai Presidenti delle rispettive Camere, quattro scelti fra il personale di cui alla legge 2 aprile 1979, n. 97, su designazione dei rispettivi organi di autogoverno, due fra i professori di ruolo in materie giuridiche e uno fra i dirigenti dello Stato e degli altri enti pubblici. È membro di diritto della Commissione il capo della struttura della Presidenza del Consiglio dei ministri che costituisce il supporto organizzativo per il funzionamento della Commissione. La Commissione può avvalersi di un numero di esperti non superiore a cinque unità, nominati ai sensi dell'articolo 29 della legge 23 agosto 1988, n. 400.
47 Clear procedures, including timelines, are in place for dealing with external appeals (oversight/judicial).Score 1 point for clear procedures, 1 point for timelines. 2 NO not mentioned
48 In the appeal process (oversight/judicial/) the government bears the burden of demonstrating that it did not operate in breach of the rules.Score Y/N and award 2 points for yes. 2 NO not mentioned
49 The external appellate body has the power to impose appropriate structural measures on the public authority (e.g. to conduct more training or to engage in better record management)1 for partial, 2 for fully. 2 YES ARTICLE 24, PAR 5, ADMIN CODE AND LAW NO. 15/2005)
Italy > Sanctions & Proteccions Indicator Description Scoring instructions MAX score Findings Points Article Comments
50 Sanctions may be imposed on those who wilfully act to undermine the right to information, including through the unauthorised destruction of information.Score 1 point for sanctions for underming right, 1 point for destruction of documents 2 YES LAW NO. 69 OF 2009 ALLOWS THE REQUEST FOR SANCTIONS AGAINST THE PUBLIC ADMIN THAT WILLFULLY OR NEGLIGENTLY DOES NOT COMPLY WITH OBLIGATION TO RELEASE THE DOCUMENT (IT IS A GENERAL NORM, BUT IT APPLIES TO ATI AS WELL)
51 There is a system for redressing the problem of public authorities which systematically fail to disclose information or underperform (either through imposing sanctions on them or requiring remedial actions of them).Score 1 point for either remedial action or sanctions, 2 points for both 2 NO 52 The independent oversight body and its staff are granted legal immunity for acts undertaken in good faith in the exercise or performance of any power, duty or function under the RTI Law. Others are granted similar immunity for the good faith release of information pursuant to the RTI Law.Score 1 for oversight body, 1 for immunity for others2 NO not mentioned
Italy > Promotional measures Indicator Description Scoring instructions MAX score Findings Points Article Comments
54 Public authorities are required to appoint dedicated officials (information officers) or units with a responsibility for ensuring that they comply with their information disclosure obligations.Score Y/N, Y=2 points2 YES Art. 4. Unità organizzativa responsabile del procedimento Ove non sia già direttamente stabilito per legge o per regolamento, le pubbliche amministrazioni sono tenute a determinare per ciascun tipo di procedimento relativo ad atti di loro competenza l'unità organizzativa responsabile della istruttoria e di ogni altro adempimento procedimentale, nonché dell'adozione del provvedimento finale.
55 A central body, such as an information commission(er) or government department, is given overall responsibility for promoting the right to information. Score Y/N, Y=2 points2 Partially ARTICLE 24 and in law no. 15/2005 THAT THE COMPETENCE OF THE COMMISSION ON ACCESS TO ADMIN DOCS ALSO HAS THE POWER TO ADVISE ON TRANSPARENCY AND MAKE PROPOSALS TO IMPROVE NORMS ON ATI.
60 Public authorities are required to report annually on the actions they have taken to implement their disclosure obligations. This includes statistics on requests received and how they were dealt with. Score Y/N, Y=2 points2 YES ARTICLE 25 SAYS THAT THE COMMISSION ON ACCESS TO ADMIN DOCS MUST REPORT ANNUALLY AND PUBLIC AUTHORITIES MUST DISCLOSE TO THE COMMISSION THEIR DISCLOSURE ACTIVITIES PER REQUEST.
61 A central body, such as an information commission(er) or government department, has an obligation to present a consolidated report to the legislature on implementation of the law. Score Y/N, Y=2 points2 YES Art 27: La Commissione adotta le determinazioni previste dall'articolo 25, comma 4; vigila affinché sia attuato il principio di piena conoscibilità dell'attività della pubblica amministrazione con il rispetto dei limiti fissati dalla presente legge; redige una relazione annuale sulla trasparenza dell'attività della pubblica amministrazione, che comunica alle Camere e al Presidente del Consiglio dei ministri; propone al Governo modifiche dei testi legislativi e regolamentari che siano utili a realizzare la più ampia garanzia del diritto di accesso di cui all'articolo 22.

References: Art. 22
 Art. 22
 Art. 22
 Art. 22
 Art. 3
 Art. 27
 Art. 4