Ms Shalom Binchy:

This is uncharted territory as the head proposes a system where a complaint can be made relating to probation services. The complaint would be investigated as a necessary consequence and information given by a person who has dealt with a probation officer would be available to a third party. One can imagine how the information could be extremely sensitive, and we foresee instances where somebody who gives information to a probation officer may disclose a very serious crime of a sensitive nature. We are concerned that such issues may come to the domain of others who may not have constraints similar to the probation services or a solicitor on sharing information. The committee should consider the matter and try to include measures to combat any disclosure of any information of sensitive or confidential nature.