Brendan Ryan (Labour)

I move amendment No. 49:

In page 30, subsection (2), lines 15 and 16, to delete "or, if not, in a form acceptable to the Council".

This amendment is quite important and pertains to the form of a complaint. At present, section 35(2) states: "A complaint must be in writing or, if not, in a form acceptable to the Council." I do not like the idea of the first half of a sentence using the word "must" when it is followed by the phrase "or, if not". It should be obligatory for a complaint of this nature to be in writing. While I am prepared to entertain arguments concerning those with disabilities and similar issues, the complaint must be in writing. This amendment suggests the deletion of "or, if not, in a form acceptable to the Council".

I am prepared to listen if a good reason can be put forward. In principle however, if a complaint is being made which could lead to anything from a reprimand to being struck off from the register of pharmacists, the least one can expect is a written record. The great advantage of written records is there is a clear record as to the nature of the complaint. This is not the case with either verbal or e-mailed complaints. E-mail is still an insufficiently secure or reliable method. I want to hear a reason for an exception because I cannot think of one.

For example, in the GAA one can do little in terms of appealing or complaining about anyone except in a written and prescribed form. Organisations recognise that without a written record, one enters dodgy territory. If there is a good reason, I am prepared to listen.