Brendan Ryan (Labour)

I move amendment No. 25:

In page 21, between lines 16 and 17, to insert the following subsection:

"(2) The Minister shall, prior to making any such regulations, consult with the Irish Pharmaceutical Union and with the Society, and with any other person or body the Minister considers, in his or her discretion, it would be desirable to consult in advance of making any regulations under this section.".

Out of the blue in the middle of legislation dealing with the profession, with outside assistance, regulating itself, section 18 states: "The Minister may, for the proposes of the health, safety and convenience of the public, make regulations about all or any of the following matters in respect of retail pharmacy businesses". Nobody would dispute the significance of this but there is no reference to the pharmaceutical society. The Minister will say there is no intention of producing regulations without consultation and I believe her because she is a reasonable woman most of the time. However, the amendment reads: "The Minister shall, prior to making any such regulations, consult with the Irish Pharmaceutical Union and with the Society, and with any other person or body the Minister considers, in his or her discretion, it would be desirable to consult in advance of making any regulations under this section". It seems rather bald to suddenly decide the Minister will do all this in isolation. There should be a formal consultation process.