Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I commend colleagues for putting down these amendments. There has been a broad welcome for section 34. It has been hugely important to see for the first time in statute these very important provisions on disclosure of third party records, which have been such an important issue for so many complainants and for their legal teams, and, indeed, for rape crisis centres which have been working with them for some time. I commend the Minister for the provision in section 34.

There is a concern about the issue of non-disclosure and in what context complainants and witnesses waive the right to non-disclosure. That is at the heart of these amendments. This is an issue worthy of further consideration.