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Bill does, that the witness is not required to answer any of the questions put by the chairman, or by counsel to the inquiry on his behalf, is necessary to avoid negating the safeguard of the head of the body making a decision, following consultation with Ministers … State and to discharge obligations, including in relation to the investigation of criminal offences. The proposed amendment is incompatible with the legal framework being provided for in the Bill. As I set out in my response to the previous amendments, the mechanism provided for in the Bill

wide-ranging and extensive consultation with stakeholders from all sectors and the comprehensive review of the existing Act have delivered a new legal framework that will absolutely deliver on its aims. I thank the officials in the mental health unit for their tremendous work in developing and progressing … their hard work, advice and support throughout this process. I am extremely grateful to colleagues in the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel, the Office of the Attorney General and the Bills Office. I thank them for all their work. Getting here today would not have been possible without

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

comprehensive O'Malley Review of Protections for Vulnerable Witnesses in the Investigation and Prosecution of Sexual Offences, including around anonymity and legal representation in certain contexts. It also introduced a provision relating to character references in sexual offence cases. Now, regardless of whether a reference is being provided … regime in place for other serious crimes such as robbery or manslaughter. A number of Deputies raised the issue of the disclosure of counselling records. This is a complex and highly sensitive area, balancing individuals' rights. On the one hand, there is the victim’s right to personal

Forces charged with, or convicted of, serious criminal offences. There has been extensive engagement between the Department and the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel on the drafting of the Bill, and the Minister intends to bring the Bill to the Government for approval shortly. As previously outlined … Council. Had the mandate for UNIFIL not been renewed - as was the case for a short period of time - Ireland would have been legally obliged to plan for the immediate withdrawal of Defence Forces personnel from that mission. Similar issues arise in respect of other operations, with concerns

time. I proposed an amendment stating that we need to ensure this operates as intended and not lead to the disclosure of counselling records becoming the norm. It has become the norm. The Rape Crisis network has confirmed that. I just want to correct the record on that … original speech in 2017. The Government talks about a trauma-informed, survivor-centred approach, but nothing in our courts system or legal system provides that. There can be different rules for gender-based violence. Why not? I have absolutely no problem with that. It is a very different

accept that the denial of the right of an Irish citizen to a fair trial is a matter just for his or her legal team. I just do not accept that. It is a concern of the State if an Irish citizen is, in effect, being railroaded through … hope others will join them. However, the State itself, and the Minister, need to be represented there in an observer capacity. The senior counsel I mentioned states in the letter I referenced: It does not strike me from what I have seen that the trial is in conformity

floor of the House. My colleagues in the Labour Party will also be supporting it. This legislation is not just a legal reform; it is a lifeline for survivors. It is about ensuring justice does not end at conviction but continues to protect those who have endured unimaginable … reported to gardaí were detected. Meanwhile, demand for support services is surging. Rape crisis centres recorded 13,098 helpline contacts and 14,778 counselling appointments last year. That is a 48% increase. These figures tell us one thing clearly, namely, that survivors need more than words. They need

this time with then TD Brendan Kenneally. The former Deputy did not formally report this to the relevant agencies. Instead, he too sought counsel from Billy Kenneally and Monsignor John Shine. Again, the only substantive step taken was to arrange further psychiatric treatment. At that point, three influential … Ireland's recent past. A full Garda investigation into Bill Kenneally began in 2012. I pay tribute to all those journalists, gardaí, and legal teams who took this on and ensured in the end, along with courageous survivors, that this investigation would commence and that Bill Kenneally would

their private counselling notes being disclosed and even shared with their perpetrator. Many victims state that this is why they avoid seeking counselling at all. Let me be clear: this Irish justice system is failing women. After the traumatic court process, the sentences handed down are shamefully lenient … these horrible crimes. This underscores the need for this Bill. Victims live in constant anxiety about their attacker's release. While other legal avenues may exist, they are not the right fit. Victims must not be forced back into court to fight again for basic safety. This Bill

factor in prisons, the situation now demands a response and it is in this context that the Bill includes provisions to remove the legal barrier to the possession and use of incapacitant sprays by prison officers. The Bill provides that the use of such sprays will be permitted … contains important measures in relation to victims and potential victims of sexual violence and exploitation. I will focus first on the issue of counselling notes. I want to begin by acknowledging the distress that the disclosure of such personal and sensitive information can cause. As Deputies will

running an OMC. They often wrangle with the developer and wrestle with legacy issues. They do not have the same access to legal advice, and so on. Reform of the MUDS Act is incredibly important and the first step of that is for the Minister to transfer responsibility … will not dwell on that. I note other provisions on pepper spray and note also the Minister's comments on the counselling notes. It is certainly a more tricky and difficult area but the Minister said we will see further amendments on Committee Stage, which I look forward

these definitions in the principal Act or from what was proposed in section 2 but, rather, enhances them in the interest of legal clarity and ensures compliance with the 2017 directive on combating terrorism in respect of the acts required to be codified as terrorist offences … State. While the definitions as they currently stand in section 4 of the principal Act provide for this, it was advised by parliamentary counsel that rewording was needed in the interests of clarity and precision. The amendment also expands the definition of terrorist activity to include making

register; Valerie's law for the removal of guardianship rights of those convicted of killing partners; and laws to restrict the disclosure of counselling notes in sexual assault court cases. The Minister is pushing the outer limits of legislation to give protection to women and to deal with … additional funding or ring-fencing funding for any specific purposes. We are open to any constructive proposals on that. We have modernised the legal framework to better protect victims. The engagement of the Family Courts Act 2024, the Criminal Justice

extremely careful with what I say about the detail of that. I am conscious that we want to establish a process that is legally robust and that has very clear terms of reference. We have asked the parents, the advocacy groups and the breadth of stakeholders, including … that will have to ultimately sign off on them. The Attorney General is already engaging with potential people and potential names, including senior counsel and so on, to determine who may have availability to do this work and to get that going as quickly as possible. Of course

grieve; he fought. For 25 years, he fought through the courts, against institutions and against every obstacle placed in front of him. His legal challenge produced the 2021 High Court ruling that found there was a plausible case that the bombing could have been prevented and that directed … were due to begin. Part of the reason for the delay is the sheer volume of state material still being processed. The lead counsel to the inquiry has confirmed the full Irish disclosure will not be complete until June. I want to be fair here. The inquiry

abuse as well. Kate said that we have an epidemic of gender-based violence and that people are being retraumatised in the legal system as well. The manosphere is operating unchecked and unregulated and is spewing violent misogyny such that 54% of men believe power and control over … growing movement now. They wrote to the Minister for Justice seeking a meeting to progress that plan, in particular regarding the issue of counselling notes which the DPP has said are not necessary. I ask the Taoiseach when we can have that meeting with the Minister for Justice

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

from the State. Margaret did not consent to this order and there was no legal basis for this order being made. Eventually, the legal firm for the media got this application lifted so it could be reported on. Margaret was questioned twice by an Garda Síochána on articles … court. Margaret was not happy with the way the State presented the case, so did some investigating herself. She realised the senior counsel assigned to the case by the State knew Trevor Bolger well and had worked with him on high profile drug cases previously. As Margaret queried

with in such a way that this is not going to happen any more. I have met individuals who will not go for counselling. When that is something that comes out as a result of where we are in this country and the case law that has been … allowed only in very specific cases, as he said, in relation to people getting a fair trial. I doubt it. There will be legal challenges left, right and centre. I believe there will be a precedent set then and it will fall. I need the Minister to think

time with their daughter in the hospital. As if all of this was not hard enough, they then had to think about the legality of getting home. A consultant in Liverpool warned them to put Éadha's body in the boot of their car and smuggle her back … there was zero follow-up care for her in Ireland. Even when she presented to a bereavement midwife to get counselling, she was told it was not available. Denise and her family were on their own. Every year, 240 women have to travel to the UK to access

teams to stall. When whistleblowers come forward, they are being absolutely battered and punished. Millions of euro in public money is spent making legal teams rich and nobody is getting an answer. I will go back to the years 2000 to 2002, when 59 people in east Cork … voice. As Deputy Mairéad Farrell said a moment ago, we introduced an alternative Bill in 2021. It had provisions for mental health and counselling supports for families. Every single one of the whistleblowers in the last protected disclosure I brought here was paid off by the Government

disability was particularly considered when drafting the Bill. With more than 200 sections, it is a lengthy Bill, containing a number of complex legal and ethical considerations, and it deserved and needed a number of years to bring it to fruition. The Bill will replace the existing … including community child and adolescent mental health services, CAMHS. Officials in the Department have been working diligently with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel and the Office of the Attorney General, along with key stakeholders such as the HSE, the Mental Health Commission, the College of Psychiatrists

publication gives rise to the reasonable apprehension that the commission of a terrorist activity could thereby result. The Office of the Parliamentary Counsel has confirmed the revised text affords greater protection to someone exercising their right to freedom of expression than the current section 4A, which simply refers … apprehension that someone might as a result of such publication commit a terrorist act. The use of a reasonableness test is an objective legal standard used in law to prevent against arbitrary or irrational interpretation, assessing circumstances against a hypothetical reasonable person's response or action. I assure

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