‘Disclosure in abuse cases needs regulating’

THE Department of Justice, the Director of Public Prosecutions, the state solicitor and the Health Service Executive (HSE) must work together to address the “very serious” issue of disclosure of confidential records in sexual abuse prosecution cases.

Norah Gibbons of children’s charity Barnardos said it was vital that regulation and guidelines be drawn up around the way in which files are handed over to defence teams.

Ms Gibbons said it is a relatively new phenomenon and as there are no guidelines, confidential information may be handed over where it is not appropriate.