Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

The difference here is that we have a preliminary screening committee and mediation. If a patient makes a complaint about a doctor, it is to be hoped mediation could be used to resolve it. The doctor might have been rude or turned up late. That will not go to a fitness to practise inquiry. If there was a health issue and somebody believed the doctor was drinking too much or whatever, it could be dealt with through a different channel. It is not a question of there being a fitness to practise inquiry and a huge question mark over the doctor as a result of a minor complaint.

I have much sympathy with the point of view Senator Browne expressed. I know somebody against whom an allegation of sexual abuse was made. The man, who was a priest, was totally innocent. He and his family, whom I have known for many years, were devastated for two years. As the matter got close to being investigated, the complainant withdrew the complaint and apologised privately. That man is still a destroyed person. We want to avoid that happening under this legislation and that is the reason we have preliminary hearings.

The Medical Council will be made up of good, decent, honourable and objective women and men who will not be out for anything except to serve the public interest and to support doctors which is the whole purpose of the Medical Council. It is as much about supporting doctors, particularly in the type of situation Senator Browne mentioned, as it is about protecting the public interest and investigating complaints.