Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 March 2023
708. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health when his Department's review of the rationale for the disclosure of counselling notes as part of court proceedings, including a victim or survivor perspective, commenced in July 2022 will be completed. [15215/23]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, recommendation 5.7 of Supporting a Victim’s Journey outlined 'Further consideration should be given to the question of whether the disclosure of medical records should be made subject to a statutory regime similar to that applicable to the disclosure of counselling records.' Responsibility for responding to sexual violence is shared across Government and work being progressed through the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender based violence, launched last year, further demonstrates the Government’s commitment to tackling this issue.
My Department are currently leading on the examination of this complex issue, with the Department of Justice. The examination includes engagement with Department of Health agencies, the broader health sector and relevant bodies to examine and review the rationale for the disclosure of counselling notes as part of court proceedings including a victim / survivor perspective, with a view to bringing forward recommendations. As the Deputy will be aware, this is a complex issue in which extensive consultation is required.
