Protocols for rape cases to be changed

THE HSE and the Director of Public Prosecutions are working on a new protocol to deal with requests from defendants in rape cases for counselling notes, which retired DPP James Hamilton has described as a “tactic” designed to intimidate alleged victims.

James Hamilton, who retired as DPP this week, said he began the discussions with the HSE on the issue and hoped his successor, Claire Loftus, would conclude them shortly.

Counsellors and the Children At Risk in Ireland organisation have already raised concerns over the practice of the defence in rape and sexual assault cases demanding access to counselling notes.