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clear strictures in that regard both in the public service and in the private sector. We have fairly robust legislation in place on protected disclosures. It is efficient. That is shown by the fact that so many have engaged with the European issue

Garda Síochána? Have gardaí received training? The previous Minister was not able to explain that to me in terms of the Protected Disclosures Act and the criminal offence of penalising and retaliating

from informal or administrative disclosures. Survivors recognise this as a necessary safeguard. Amendments that introduce a presumption of non-disclosure, create a form of statutory privilege and extend protection to other sensitive records such as medical or child protection files are important steps. The Bill does take cognisance … prepare them for a court date. I welcome some moves in that respect, as do survivors. The Bill reinforces the justification clause for disclosure and that there would be some form of judicial oversight. I was contacted by survivors and that is why I am emphasising them

European Commission has powers with respect to the proliferation of illegal content online on platforms and the protection of fundamental rights, including protection for minors. The EU Council and Parliament also reached political agreement on 7 May 2026 on the proposed the digital omnibus on Al. The proposed … Social media platforms are frequently named as defendants in such actions, primarily as a mechanism for content removal and identity disclosure of third parties posting content. Data protection law may also be relevant in addressing the unauthorised use and dissemination of synthetic deepfakes using generative Al tools. Content

services by a child protection professional, a competent person, a medical professional, a social care worker or a social worker; (g) the effect of the determination on the integrity of the trial process; (h) the likelihood that disclosing, or requiring the disclosure of, the record will cause harm … pursuant to subsection (11), (12) or (13), in the interests of justice and to protect the right to privacy of any person to whom the applicable record relates, the court shall only grant disclosure of such specific material as is strictly necessary and the court may impose

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 except in certain circumstances. The current protection regime will also be extended to the following personal records: medical records, child … protection records and social work records. Those records often contain highly personal information and are currently routinely disclosed. These reforms will ensure that any disclosure of sensitive material only occurs where necessary and always subject to strict judicial scrutiny. It is a significant strengthening of the law over

page 21, between lines 3 and 4, to insert the following: “(4) (a) Where an authorised officer or an adjudication officer compels the disclosure of a record or takes possession of a record in accordance with subsection (3)— (i) the officer concerned shall not, pending the final determination … slow to recognise the impact that some of this legislation could have on the protection of legal or journalistic privilege. Under section 32(3) and (4), the Bill allows for the compelled disclosure of potentially privileged material. This is subject to a subsequent High Court determination with

slow to recognise the importance of protecting legal or journalistic privilege when bringing forward legislation. That has been particularly true in relation to legislation coming from the Department of justice. Subsections (3) and (4) of section 32 allow for the compelled disclosure of potentially privileged material subject … that end, we have tabled amendments to make clear in the Bill that where an authorised officer or adjudication officer compels disclosure or takes possession of a record that may be subject to legal privilege, the officer cannot use, copy, communicate or act upon that record before

section 28. Section 32 is a standard provision intended to protect legal privilege. Section 33 creates an offence if certain persons, including staff of the director, an authorised officer or an adjudication officer, make an unauthorised disclosure of information acquired while performing functions under this Bill. Section … legally secure access to the evidence needed to tackle serious crime and for citizens, it means confidence that their data and rights are protected, as we enhance our capacity to fight crime in the digital age. The regulation provides that access to personal data through the mechanism

aligned with fines set out under the Al Act. For public bodies, fines are capped at €1 million, in line with the data protection legislation. Section 114 provides that no administrative fine takes effect without confirmation by the High Court, which is a key procedural safeguard. Sections … sections 121 to 127, inclusive, sets out criminal penalties for obstruction of authorised officers, failure to comply with enforcement notices, and unauthorised disclosure of confidential information. Part 8, at sections 128 to 133, inclusive, amends the Central Bank Act 1942 to equip the Central Bank with the investigatory

Women's Aid has recorded the highest level of domestic abuse disclosures in history. The organisation's annual report is a stark reminder for us all that, for many women and children, escaping domestic abuse is made harder by failures that are within the Government's power … many women, leaving an abusive partner does not mean the abuse ends. Ensuring safety after leaving an abusive partner requires the enforcement of protection orders and ensuring a consistent approach, particularly around bail conditions when they are breached, is implemented. For example, the Government commissioned a review

shall not be processed under this Act.”. We have had extensive engagement with the Minister in recent weeks in the Dáil regarding the disclosure of counselling notes in trials. I appreciate that the Minister has moved somewhat on the issue but I will take the opportunity … 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 than what we provide for people in Ireland? The Minister of State might

harm and heightens suicide risk. That is the evidence we heard. I have not heard a single person disagree with the need to protect the right to a fair trial, but we also have a duty to victims and survivors. We must also keep that duty … used to defend the person who was the reason that person needed counselling in the first place. It is absolute lunacy. Banning the disclosure of counselling notes is about recognising that they are hearsay evidence. It is about rebalancing our justice system so that there is not only

which I have spoken about and on behalf of which I recently wrote to the Taoiseach and the Ministers for education and Social Protection. That group has identified a litany of flaws in current State redress schemes and schemes to support victims. Survivors are often retraumatised by their … return to the matter of the courage of survivors. Over decades, extraordinarily brave people have come forward to expose this dark chapter. That disclosure comes at a personal cost. Survivors should not have to go public with their stories in order to see action taken. They should

Minister for Health the person or body that authorised the transmission of sensitive patient safety video material to the Office of the Protected Disclosures Commissioner on 22 May 2026 (details supplied); if the material was viewed before transmission; if she personally considered the governance issues raised before that