New case note: Delay in responding to a request for information about cannabis-related medicines

The Ministry of Health apologised to a complainant following an investigation by Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier into a delay in making and relaying a decision on a request for official information.

A case note published today details actions by the Ministry of Health that the Chief Ombudsman found were contrary to law, and others that were unreasonable.

The ministry received a request on 16 March this year for information about cannabis-based medicines.

By the time the complainant had been in touch with the Ombudsman, an investigation carried out and a final opinion formed by the Chief Ombudsman on 13 July, the decision on the request was still outstanding.

Peter Boshier expressed his disappointment at the continued delay. He recommended the ministry:

• Make and communicate its decision to the complainant as a priority by 16 July at the latest; 
• Remind its staff of its statutory obligations under the OIA; 
• Apologise to the complainant for the extensive delays in processing the request for information.

The ministry accepted the recommendations and apologised to the complainant.

Read the case note:

• Delay in responding to a request for information about cannabis-related medicines