Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

My amendment No. 50 would ensure that complainants have access to legal advice on the issue of disclosure of counselling notes and records before signing a waiver of their right to non-disclosure. The traumatic circumstances of being involved in a sexual offences case make it very difficult to present in court. If in the context of the case a request is made to make counselling records available it is important that people are made fully aware of the implications of doing that.

For that reason, I think provision should be made for independent legal advice to be given to the person concerned. I encourage the Tánaiste to accept this amendment.

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