The use of counselling notes in trials for sexual offences is outrageous and grotesque. This morning, the Cabinet approved new legislation on this but it sounds a lot like the status quo - a court deciding if counselling notes should be released. This is a gross invasion of privacy. It stops victims coming forward and slows or prevents their recovery because victims are afraid to seek help. They feel they have no safe space where they can deal with their pain and trauma because their inner thoughts and feelings can be weaponised against them by their abuser in a courtroom. Why are we tolerating this instead of outright banning it? The law is supposed to be about balancing competing rights. Can the Taoiseach explain to victims why their rights are always pushed to the bottom? The cornerstone of therapy is confidentiality. In 2026, there is no excuse for this complete disregard of the crucial role of therapy in recovery. The Government can introduce an outright ban. Why has it not done it?

Sentiment score: -0.25

People still want a ban.

Sentiment score: -0.51