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 seized 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.

Sentiment score: -0.30

We need an end to this practice, not to leave it in the hands of a judge.

Sentiment score: 0.04

The mere fact-----

Sentiment score: 0.00

-----one's counselling notes can be seized is what is traumatic and damaging.

Sentiment score: -0.79

I am just finishing the sentence.

Sentiment score: 0.08

I was interrupted because they were all talking during it.

Sentiment score: -0.30

I was not sure if the Taoiseach could hear me, so I stopped.

Sentiment score: -0.54

And it is not good enough. It is not ending the practice. It is just-----

Sentiment score: -0.11

But they clearly are.

Sentiment score: 0.55