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acknowledge is an epidemic. It is largely unreported. One of the key reasons is the hostile, traumatising and misogynistic legal system that so many complainants face. Survivors' counselling notes being used in trials has been an issue raised on the floor of this Dáil and campaigned … violating practise of raw counselling notes being handed to lawyers and the accused. It does not expressly state that counselling notes are not evidence. There is no legal advice to survivors about the whole process. The complainant is only notified of an application order after the court order

favour of the right to privacy. I believe that is what I am doing. I cannot ban counselling notes. I simply cannot do that because of the legal advice that I have received. The Labour Party recognises that. People in this House recognise that. In terms … judge. Finally, on the interests of justice, the reason I left it in is because the advice I received is that counselling notes can be very beneficial to the prosecution of sexual offences and rapes. They corroborate what a complainant is saying and are very beneficial in terms

Civil Legal Aid Act 1995; ‘Act of 2005’ means the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005; ‘Act of 2011’ means the Nurses and Midwives Act 2011; ‘applicable record’, in relation to criminal proceedings for a sexual offence, means a child protection record, a counselling record, a medical … solicitor or barrister, engaged by the Legal Aid Board under section 11 of that Act, on behalf of a complainant or witness in relation to an application pursuant to this section. (19) Where any applicable record or counselling record containing opinion, interpretation, or third-party summaries is admitted

provisions of the Bill have been drafted with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel, with constant engagement and consultation with the Office of the Attorney General on the legal and constitutional matters. However, I have taken copious notes, and I am sure my officials have

need to deal with this. Counselling notes should not be used. It is as simple as that. As legislators, we need to ensure we deal with the issue in a manner that meets constitutional, legal and technical requirements. I am definitely not going to go through … that there would be limitations on the information provided in that narrative. That is the format by which we should deal with counselling notes. As a consequence, victims would not be retraumatised and counsellors would be protected. That is what I am trying to achieve. That is what

known that a counsellor has electronic records of counselling notes. An order is received by a service provider in Ireland that provides online storage facilities. Is the Minister of State willing to stand over legal protection for survivors of domestic, sexual or gender-based violence that is less

further amendments to the legislation to further restrict the disclosure of counselling records. In this context, the presumption of non-disclosure was introduced in relation to these records. A presumption of non-disclosure ensures the legal status of these records is that they are not to be released

will also demonstrate our commitment to fostering responsible, human-centric Al innovation, both domestically and across Europe. There is also a firm legal deadline. Enforcement of prohibited Al practices posing unacceptable risks, as set out in Article 5 of the Al Act, takes effect as of 2 August … with the parallel development of the EU's digital omnibus proposal, has required extraordinary efforts from my officials, the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel and the Office of the Attorney General. To them I am most grateful. As I have noted, and as Deputies will no doubt

obligation upon service providers to preserve or produce electronic evidence at the request of a judicial authority of another member state, imposing a legal obligation upon them to do so. The directive requires that member states ensure service providers offering services in the EU designate an addressee … offence in this jurisdiction. Unfortunately, and notwithstanding the significant efforts made by my officials and the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel, the transposition deadline for the e-evidence directive of 18 February 2026 could not be met. Transposition of the directive via this Bill is, therefore, imperative

legal experts and civil liberties campaigners. The Irish Government likes to portray our country as a liberal democracy, yet it has this parallel legal system where there are no juries. The ICCL highlighted six defects in its submission on this issue, including lack of a jury; the dual … being sufficient to send somebody to jail. I find it highly ironic that we were in here about two weeks ago talking about counselling notes and the Minister of State's colleague stood opposite me and told us there was no way in the wide earthly world their

their vast wealth and considerable assets completely out of reach. They move properties and millions of euro into lay-run trusts, drawing a legal curtain between their riches and money, and the victims they broke, bruised and failed - vulnerable people who were, in many cases, in their care … doors of these institutions closed because women and children continue to live with the physical and emotional consequences today, and many still require counselling and support decades later. No amount of money can compensate mothers and children for the trauma, abuse and lifelong consequences of what happened

justice. They have campaigned in a real way in so many different forums. Paula, for example, was recognised by the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. Hazel testified to the justice committee but has campaigned and organised protests, photo stunts, press conferences and so on. Sophie, I hope … made contact, but there are so many people who do not report anything, do not talk to anybody and do not pursue a legal case. One of the reasons is because of this type of situation that is hostile, intimidating and retraumatising and where their own personal thoughts

referendum itself. It allows individuals to consider their decision carefully and avoid feeling rushed or pressured. It was intended to act as a legal safeguard demonstrating the serious and irreversible nature of the decision. From an operational perspective, the waiting period provides a structured and predictable pathway … assist her in making that decision, should she wish to avail of them. The HSE-funded My Options service offers non-directive counselling and information for people experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. My Options is staffed by professionally trained counsellors who are experienced in providing support to women experiencing

shape how we see and treat each other, as individuals but also as a society. More broadly, we are continuing to strengthen the legal protections that protect LGBTIQ+ people from discrimination, harm and hatred. While I know progress in this area can sometimes feel slow, it is important … Reproduction) (Amendment) Bill, as colleagues will be aware, is now at an advanced stage, with drafting being led by the Office of Parliamentary Counsel alongside relevant Departments. I am informed it is expected to be introduced to the Dáil this term. Finalising the legislation, along with establishing

Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the total amount spent by her Department, including expenditure on legal fees, counsel fees, solicitor costs and any related costs, in defending court proceedings taken by parents or guardians arising from a child not being offered a school