Freedom of Information

Freedom of Information Model Publication Scheme 

1. Information on Freedom of Information 
2. About the Corlann Services 
3. Service Area, Functions Services Provided 
4. Financial Information 
5. Procurement Information 
6. FOI Non-Personal Information Disclosure Log

Information on Freedom of Information
Before you decide to make a request for information under FOI from Corlann, why not explore our website www.corlann.ie? The information you seek may already be available. Also consider making a request under Administrative Access or Data Protection. 

What is FOI?
The FOI Act 2014 provides that every person has the following legal rights:

• the right to access official records held by Government Departments and all public bodies that conform to the provisions of Section 6 of the Act; 
• the right to have personal information held on them corrected or updated where such information is incomplete, incorrect or misleading; and 
• the right to be given reasons for decisions taken by public bodies that affect them.

These rights mean that people can seek access to personal information held on them. 

2. How does FOI work?
The Act requires public bodies to respond to requests from the public for information they hold. In most cases, public bodies must give their decision on a request within 4 weeks of receiving it.

3. How can I make a FOI Request?
FOI requests should be addressed to the FOI Unit of the body holding the records.

4. How can I make a FOI Request to Corlann?
You should send a request either, in writing to: or by email to the relevant Region of Corlann. 

National Corlann Kilcornan House Clarinbridge Co. Galway H91 K2E9 Tel: 091 796623 Email gina.magliocco@corlann.ie
Clare FOI Officer Corlann Clare Banner House Clare Road Ennis, Co Clare V95 PV29 Tel: 065 6849400 Email Mary.McMahon@corlann.ie		West Region GALWAY FOI Officer Corlann West (Galway) Woodlands Centre Renmore Galway H91 KN20 Tel: 091 721400 Email  Ann.Donohue@corlann.ie
LIMERICK FOI Officer Corlann Limerick Blackberry Park Dock Road Limerick V94 PRR8 Tel: 061 308149 Email Brian.Muldoon@corlann.ie		West Region ROSCOMMON FOI Officer Corlann West (Roscommon) Lanesboro Street Roscommon F42 XA62 Tel: 0906 628500 Email Jodie.healy@corlann.ie
SOUTH EAST FOI Officer Corlann South East Belmont Park Ferrybank Waterford X91 NCX7 Tel: 051 832211 Email Margaret.Ryan@corlann.ie		SOUTHERN FOI Officer Corlann Southern Services Lota Glanmire Cork T23 PW59 Tel: 021 4556200 Email Gillian.Doyle@corlann.ie

Your request should include the following: 

• A statement that the request is being made under the FOI Act; 
• As much information as possible about the records being sought; 
• In what format you wish to receive any records released (e.g. photocopies) 

Alternatively, you may download the Application Form available on this website and submit this to the FOI Officer at the above address. A response will be given no later than 4 weeks upon receipt of Request.

5. Can I get access to any information that I seek?
The following records come within the scope of the FOI Acts: 

• all records relating to personal information held by the services irrespective of when they were created 
• all other records created from the commencement of the FOI Act (21 April 1998) 
• any records necessary to the understanding of a current record even if created prior to 21 April 1998 
• Personnel records of serving staff created from 21st April, 1995 and those created prior to that date where being used or proposed to be used in a way which adversely affects or may affect the person involved. 

However, in order to allow business to be properly conducted, it will sometimes be necessary to exempt from release certain types of information in some circumstances. These are set out in the Act. Among the key exemptions are records relating to: 

• Governance meetings, 
• law enforcement and security, 
• confidential and commercially sensitive information, 
• Personal information (other than information relating to the person making the request). 

Requests may also be refused if they are deemed too voluminous or unclear but the Service is obliged to assist the requester in trying to overcome this.

6. Is there a charge for getting information under the FOI Act?
There is no charge for submitting a request. In respect of non-personal requests, other charges may be applied for the time spent finding records and for any reproduction costs incurred by the Service in providing you with the material requested (search, retrieval and copying charges). 

 

List of Fees 

• There is no charge for submitting a request 
• Search and Retrieval – €20 per hour (for requests that exceed the €100 minimum in terms of search, retrieval and copying), subject to the ceilings mentioned above. 
• €0.04 per sheet for a photocopy 
• Internal review fee €30 (€10 for medical card holders) 
• Appeal to the Information Commissioner €50 (€15 for medical card holders) 

Notes: 

1. There is no charge if the records concerned contain only personal information relating to the applicant, unless there are a significant number of records. 
2. If you are claiming a reduced application fee, the request must be accompanied by the Medical Card registration number, issuing Health Board name and your consent to the verification of these details with that Health Board. 
3. A full list of fees is available on request.

 

What if I am not satisfied with the decision on my FOI request?
You may appeal any decision issued by this Service by writing to the Director of Service/Service Leader of the relevant regions, seeking an Internal Review of the matter. A fee of €30 (€10 for medical card holders) may apply for such an appeal. There is no fee for internal review applications concerning only personal information relating to oneself or in relation to a decision to impose a fee or deposit. You should make your appeal within 4 weeks from the date of response (although late appeals may be permitted in certain circumstances).The appeal will involve a complete reconsideration of the matter by a more senior member of staff of the Services and a decision will be communicated to you within 3 weeks.

What if I am not satisfied with the decision on internal review?
You may appeal the decision within six months by writing to the Office of the Information Commissioner. If you make an appeal the Information Commissioner will fully investigate and consider the matter and issue a fresh decision.
All appeals should be addressed to:

The Office of the Information Commissioner,
18 Lower Leeson Street,
Dublin 2.
D02 HE97
Tel: +353 (1) 639 5689
Locall: 1890 22 30 30
Fax: +353 (1) 639 5674
E-mail: https://www.oic.ie/en/

A fee of €50 (€15 for medical card holders) may apply for such an application. Again, there is no fee for appeals to the Office of the Information Commissioner concerning only personal information relating to oneself or in relation to a decision to impose a fee or deposit.

Can I get help in making a request?
Yes. If you require any help the staff in the FOI Unit will be happy to assist you in the formulation of your request. If you have a disability please request the Services FOI Officer who is available to provide assistance to persons with a disability to exercise their rights under the FOI Act. This can involve the FOI Officer where appropriate, supporting the individual to make a request, or accepting oral requests from individuals who are unable to read, print and/or write due to their disability, enabling the individual to inspect or have records explained to him or her in a medium that they understand.

Do I need to make a FOI request to get information from the Services?
No. Corlann routinely makes information available to the public through its web site, information leaflets on services, publications for the people who use our services, and in response to enquiries. This will continue. FOI provides an additional source of information by facilitating access to records not made routinely available. A non-FOI request should usually be made to the nearest office of the Service in question. If the information cannot be released routinely the requester will be advised accordingly and informed of his/her rights under the Freedom of Information Act

Where can I get more information on FOI?
Further information on FOI is available from:

The Information Commissioner
18 Lower Leeson Street
Dublin 2
D02 HE97
Tel: +353 (1) 639 5689
Locall: 1890 253 238
Fax: +353 (1) 639 5674
E-mail: https://www.oic.ie/en/ 

The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
Central Policy Unit
Floor 3, 7-9 Merrion Row
Dublin 2
D02 V223
Tel: +353 (1) 631 8258
Fax: +353 (1) 604 5750

More comprehensive information on Freedom of Information, including the text of the Freedom of Information Act 2014 is available at https://foi.gov.ie/.

Publication of requests
The Services has a policy of posting a disclosure summary of non-personal FOI requests on its website for reference purposes. 

Data Protection
The Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003 provide similar rights of access as the Freedom of Information Acts, the main differences being that the Data Protection Acts do not apply to records of deceased persons and access is restricted to personal data only.  Access under this Act is called as Subject Access Request and further details on this are available under the Data Protection Section of this site.

Administrative Access
Administrative access is the process where you just write in and request a record. If the record is not deemed to be sensitive or require the protections applied in the Data Protection and FOI Acts, the records will be released.

About Corlann Services 

Corporate Guiding Principles
Corlann guiding principles are based on the Brothers of Charity Ethos document ‘Going Forward Together (2001)’.  This document sets out the principles that underpin our work, clarify and shares the values that motivate us as we respond to our fellow citizens who have an intellectual disability.

Vision Statement
Our Vision is that which guides the organisation.  It is the ideal and comes from truly seeing the need.  Vision is held in the heart and it lends energy and provides both inspiration and direction in day to day decision making and overall strategy. 

“Working together we seek to create supports and to shape communities where the people we support are valued and equal citizens” (March 2022) 

 Mission Statement
Our Mission Statement is a written declaration of our core purpose and focus and states clearly who we serve, how we serve, and what we strive to achieve.

“We are an inclusive, progressive organisation committed to the people we support and their right to lead full and valued lives as equal citizens.  Inspired by the ethos of the Brothers of Charity we promote the values of dignity and respect for each person. (March 2022).

Core Characteristics and Principles
Thecore values of Corlann that continue to motivate us as a Service are the Dignity and Humanity of each person. How these are expressed has evolved over time with our greater understanding of the rights of all people with a disability, with the changing hopes and expectations of the individuals and families with whom we work, and with the growing expertise within the Services.

The core characteristics of the Corlann which give us our guiding principles are: 

• working for inclusion with people who are marginalised; 
• striving for the highest possible human dignity in service provision; 
• developing caring relationships and inclusive community; 
• integrating the best of current trends in service provision; 
• valuing a high standard of expertise; 
• a progressive approach to the organisation and structure of services; 
• a willingness to function within a social framework and to work in partnership with statutory bodies; 
• finding final motivation in the Gospel.

A General Overview of Corlann History
The Brother of Charity Services were founded by the Congregation of the Brothers of Charity Services which is an international, voluntary religious organisation founded in Belgium in 1807, by Canon Peter Triest. The Congregation opened their first services in Ireland in 1883 to provide for mental health needs.  In 1938 they started to develop services for people with an intellectual disability and their families as there were no State services available at that time. These services grew steadily over the years.   The members of the Congregation made the decision in the late 1990s not to be involved in direct service delivery or operational management of the Services. In 2007, the services were formally transferred from the Congregation to the Brothers of Charity Services Ireland CLG. In 2026 the services changed its name to Corlann in response to a request from the National Advocacy Council.   

Today  – Corlann
Our Services focus on providing support to people with an intellectual disability and autism in Ireland throughout the counties of Clare, Galway, Roscommon, Limerick, Cork, Kerry, Waterford and parts of South Tipperary and Kilkenny.  Respecting and promoting the dignity and humanity of each person has always been the core value of the Services.   

Corlann endeavours to ensure a personal response to the wishes, hopes and dreams of each individual to whom support is provided.  We adopt a person centred approach to service delivery, one in which individuals are assisted and supported by the Services to identify their life goals.  They are, thereafter, supported to achieve these goals through their individual personal plan. The Services offer service responses in local communities, promoting and supporting positive engagement and interaction between those who use our Services and their community, and supporting them to participate in and be included in all facets of community life as equal and valued citizens.  The Services work in partnership with local communities, agencies and organisations to initiate and develop increasingly inclusive opportunities for, and with, the individuals we support. 

Our Service delivery is based on current best practice, our ethos, the people we support, and an internationally recognised Quality Standard System which measures and accredits our Services.  The system of accreditation is the Council for Quality and Leadership (CQL).   Our Services are also monitored and inspected by HIQA and the Health & Safety Authority. 

Corlann is a learning organisation whose responses are based on best practice, and in full recognition of the right of each person to self-determine their own life goals and wishes.  We value our staff and support them to fulfil their professional potential. 

Articles and Memorandum of Association. Click to view 

STRUCTURE – CORLANN

BOCSI’s legal status is a Company Limited by Guarantee.  There is one overarching Service Level Arrangement between the HSE and BOCSI with individual schedules attached pertaining to the delivery of Services in each of our Regions.  Each Region is led by a Director of Services who manages their own annual budget received mainly from the HSE through the local Community Health Office (CHO).  The BOCSI is funded under Section 38 of the Health Act. 

The BOCSI Company is supported by the National Office which is comprised of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the National Heads of Function (Finance & Procurement; Risk, Regulation, Health & Safety, Energy Performance & DPO; Human Resource Management; Information, Communications & Technology; Quality, Safety, Training & Advocacy; National Pensions; and the PA to the Chief Executive Officer.    

The Chief Executive Officer reports to the Board and is the Company Secretary.  The CEO is responsible for the management and executive functions of the Company’s Regions through the individual Regional Directors of Service.  The Regional Directors of Service and the Heads of Function together make up the National Leadership Team under the direction of the CEO.  

The National Leadership Team (NLT) supports the Chief Executive Officer, the National Board, Board Committees, National Teams, and Working Groups.  It acts as the single point of contact for external agencies and State bodies. The Directors of Service have their own executive teams to support the delivery of services in their Regions.  

The National Advocacy Council is made up of an elected representation of people we support from each Region and their supporters.  This group meets with the NLT bi-annually.   Policies and Procedures which relate directly to the people we support all go from the Policy Review Group to the National Advocacy Council for comment and for transfer into easy to read documents. 

ORGANISATIONAL CHART 2026 

BOARD MEMBERSHIP 2026 AND BOARD COMMITTEES
There are currently 14 Directors/Trustees on the Board.  There are five Board Committees in operation in compliance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.  Each Committee acts in accordance with its Terms of Reference, which are agreed by the Board, and report to the Board.  Committee membership is made up of Directors of the Board, one who Chairs the Committee and the appropriate National Head of Function, and where appropriate or required, suitably experienced staff.  

Audit Committee
Appointed by the Board, the main objective of the Audit Committee is to oversee and advise the Board on the Financial Management of the Company.  In fulfilling its function it provides independent and timely advice to the Board on areas within its remit. It ensures that there is governance over the income, expenditure, and asset management of Corlann and monitors the use of its financial resources.

Nominations Committee
Appointed by the Board, the main objective of the Nominations Committee is to oversee the arrangements for selection and rotation of members of the Board.  

Quality and Safeguarding Committee
Appointed by the Board, the main objective of the Quality and Safeguarding Committee is to support the Board to fulfil its function by providing independent and timely advice to the Board on areas within its remit, to ensure that clear and effective Quality and Safeguarding Management systems are in place, and that the welfare of those who use the Services is safeguarded. 

Remuneration Committee
Appointed by the Board the main objective of the Remuneration Committee is to oversee the financial employment practices of the BOCSI and to ensure compliance with the Public Sector Pay Policy.  

Risk Management Committee
Appointed by the Board, the main objective of the Risk Management Committee is to support the Board to fulfil its function by providing independent and timely advice to the Board on areas within its remit, to ensure that a clear and effective Risk Management systems is in place, and that the welfare of our Staff is safeguarded. This committee monitors and reviews the Corporate Risk Register and identifies and reports any emerging risks to the Board.

The Role of Board Members
Board members are proposed by the Nominations Committee and appointed by the National Board. Board members are expected to: 

• attend board meetings on a regular basis and be well prepared in advance of the meeting; 
• contribute to decision-making and share responsibility for the board’s decisions; 
• contribute to the work of any committees established by the board; 
• represent the board at meetings and events as required; 
• attend training events and keep up to date with subjects relevant to the organisation’s work; 
• share corporate responsibility for decisions taken by the board as a whole; 
• maintain confidentiality in regard to matters discussed at board meetings; 
• be loyal to the company and be conscious when speaking in public of the need to maintain the good reputation of the company; 
• contribute to the development of strategies, policies and plans for the company; 
• monitor and review performance without interfering in the day-to-day running of the company; 
• disclose any personal interest or profit which may conflict with the interests of the company; 
• be aware of the obligations of board members under the Companies Acts 2014.

Delegated Powers to the Chief Executive:

The day to day management of Corlann is a matter for the Chief Executive and the National Leadership Team. This includes: 

• implementing the board policy; 
• implementing the recruitment and remuneration policy of the company; 
• staff management, motivation and leadership; 
• ensuring appropriate asset maintenance, health and safety, and risk management systems are in place; 
• developing and implementing the agreed strategic plan; 
• monitoring the objectives and budget of each Service region; 
• providing line management for the Directors of Service, Service Leader and Central Management Team; and 
• ensuring the organisation operates within the required statutory standards, for example HIQA Standards in Care, and relevant statutory regulations.

Role of the Chief Executive – Key Accountabilities 

1. To develop and gain approval for the strategies, policies and plans necessary to ensure that the Board delivers on its agreed budget and other service targets as set out by the National Board. 
2. To recruit, lead, motivate and develop the staff of the company in accordance with the policies of the National Board to ensure that they contribute to the fullest extent possible to the achievement of the key objectives of the company in a professional, flexible and co-operative manner. 
3. To ensure that appropriate systems are developed, implemented and kept under review in order that the key objectives in terms of budget, resource allocation, service provision, community participation and monitoring are met in the most effective manner. 
4. To ensure that the necessary financial recording and reporting systems are in place (and kept under review) to meet all statutory and operational requirements. 
5. To promote and monitor the development of Corlann’s vision, mission and ethos within the Services and within projects, activities and enterprises associated with the Services. 
6. To seek new resources to meet identified needs and to negotiate with the local area funders of services for the resources required. 
7. To ensure compliance with all relevant statutory regulations. 

The Chief Executive shares his/her responsibilities in a task oriented way with the National Leadership Team. The Chief Executive works with the Board and the National Leadership Team to ensure the implementation of the Board policies in relation to service motivation, service guardianship and service leadership.

Advocacy
The National Advocacy Council was formed in 1998 to support a key principle of the then Brothers of Charity Services that the people who use our services are formally involved in the local, regional and national operation of our Services and remain an integral part of our governance structure. At a local level, advocacy groups are established where individuals are supported to speak and act on their own behalf and on the behalf of others via peer advocacy. Each Region of the Services has a Regional Advocacy Council which deals with issues which need to and can be addressed at regional level. Each Regional Advocacy Council elects representatives to the National Advocacy Council who meet bi-annually with the Chief Executive’s Forum at which issues of national concern are raised and addressed. Each Regional Advocacy Council also meets annually with the relevant subsidiary Board.

National Corporate Guiding Principles
The corporate guiding principles have come about following a wide consultation process. They have been broken down under four headings.

a. Person Centered Services
 

• Listen to people in our services to discover their needs and wishes and seek to develop supports and services to meet these needs. 
• Respect the rights of individuals with intellectual disability to make informed decisions regarding their own lives. 
• Provide opportunities to make choices and facilitate a range of service supports and options. 
• Develop person centered quality services and supports of a high standard of expertise. Seek to develop services based on the best of current trends and internationally recognised best practice. 
• Support individuals to make their own decisions and speak for themselves. Support the voice of our service users to be heard both inside and outside our services. Support the development of advocacy in our services.

b. Inclusion

• Work as bridge builders to enable individuals to live ordinary lives in ordinary places. 
• Support people to develop enhanced social roles and contribute to their local community. 
• Use ordinary settings to support individuals and provide specialist services in such settings.

Partnership

• Work closely with policy makers to influence polices to reflect our mission and issues of importance to our service users. 
• Work towards developing partnership with statutory bodies and other agencies in developing services. 
• Work in partnership with local communities in developing services and supports for people in our services. 
• Support individuals involved in our services including service users, families. 
• Support Staff members to develop autonomy and make relevant decisions as locally as possible.

d. Enabling Structures 

• Support the development of enabling structures in each Service Region. 
• Support the development of the autonomy of each Service Region, and in turn, supporting each element of the Service Region best placed to promote the inclusion of each individual in their local community. 
• Work towards the development of a strong National Company which will support and guide the implementation of the national strategy and the development of the six Service Regions. 
• Support each Service Region in working and learning together in the fulfillment of common objectives. 
• Support the development of leadership in our services which will facilitate the implementation of our Ethos and National Strategy. 
• Work to enable the organisation to adopt a consistent and high standard of service provision.

Salary Scales and Pension of Staff Employed by Corlann

The Board of Director positions are all voluntary positions and they do not receive any payment for their services.

All staff employed by Corlann are paid under an agreed Salary Scale and conditions as set out by the HSE. Click on link below to view Salary Scales applicable. 

https://healthservice.hse.ie/staff/pay/pay-scales/ 

Corlann Staff are members of the HSE Public Sector Pension Scheme. Click on link below to view information on the Pension Scheme.

Link to Benefits scheme: https://healthservice.hse.ie/staff/pensions/pension-schemes/ 

Service Arrangements
The HSE require by statute an agreement to manage the arrangement of services to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. The Health Acts empower the HSE to enter into an arrangement with the Service Provider to provide health and personal social services. Corlann has a service agreement/s with the HSE. A generic copy of the Services Service Arrangement can be found on the HSE web site.

Description of Records Held by the Body
Records held by Corlann relate to the services we deliver the people we support and our employees.  See our individual privacy statements which set out what records we hold in relation to each category of person we interact with and with whom we may be obligated to share that data. 

Customer Charter
Code of Practice
Code of Practice for Children
Code of Practice for Adults
Complaints

Service Area, Functions Services Provided
Corlann endeavours to offer Services in local communities, promoting and supporting positive engagement and interaction between those who use our Services and their community, and supporting them to participate in, and be included in, all facets of community life as equal and valued citizens.  We work in partnership with local communities, agencies and organisations to initiate and develop increasingly inclusive opportunities for, and with, the people who are supported by Corlann.  

We offer a range of comprehensive day, residential, respite, and multidisciplinary supports and services to adults and children with autism or an intellectual disability, and their families.  We are committed to a person-centred individualised approach in our service response.   

 Services include: 

• Early Assessment Intervention       
• Development and Pre-School Services 
• Health Related Support Services            
• Educational Services         
• Residential Care  
• Day Activation for Adults            
• Vocational Preparation 
• Advocacy Support        
• Supported Living Arrangements       
• Personal Development Training         
• Family and Sibling Support               
• Supported Employment  
• Home Support 
• Host Families 
• Crisis Intervention  
• Respite  Services      
• Services for Children with Autism via Children’s Disability Network Teams 
• Services for Adults with Autism 
• Staff Training and Development      
• Pastoral Care   
• Support of Elderly Persons with Intellectual Disability  
• Integrated Leisure Activities 
• Multi-disciplinary Services 

The use of the term Multi-disciplinary Services refers to interventions by paediatricians, psychiatrists, psychologists, speech & language therapists, social workers, physiotherapists, and many other therapeutic interventions.  We work in partnership with Housing Associations and Local Authorities in the provision of appropriate residential accommodation.    

Financial Information
Our Audited accounts are public documents and are uploaded to the Charities Regulator web site and can be found at:   https://www.charitiesregulator.ie/en/information-for-the-public/search-the-register-of-charities/sonra%C3%AD-carthanachta/?srchstr=Brothers%20of%20Charity%20Services%20Ireland&regid=20064853 

Procurement Information 
In accordance with our FOI Publication, Corlann publishes all contracts awarded (over €10k for ICT and over €25k for other contracts) on this page and will state: 

• Whether the award is for a single contract or an award from a framework 
• Name of winning contractor and legal address 
• Type of contract (works, supplies, services) 
• Contract Award Date 
• Duration of contract in months 
• Brief description of contract 

Corlann tenders alongside other public bodies are published on the e-tenders website. 

FOI Non-Personal Information Disclosure Log 

FOI Non-Personal Requests Disclosure Log for Model Publication 
Non for 2026 to date
2026