Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)

Survivors of sexual and gender-based violence have been for many years seeking a ban on counselling notes being used in trials because it is so traumatising and damaging. This weekend, Jacqueline Connolly, the sister of Clodagh Hawe, who was murdered along with her children by her husband, spoke about a priest who pleaded confessional privilege who had vital information relating to those crimes but was able to not give that information by the laws of the State. We have a situation where victims of gender-based violence can have their therapy notes ceased but somebody who has information about a serious crime, if a priest, can keep it all secret. The Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the Minister for Justice favour ending this practice. They have said so in the past. Next week, survivors of gender-based violence are due to meet the Minister.

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