Victims of sexual offences 'once again in a state of uncertainty' over use of counselling notes in trials

Survivors want to see a ban on the use of counselling notes rather than Government legislation which only restricts their use

Rape survivor Hazel Behan protesting outside the Dáil last year to demand an end to victim-blaming practices in the court system. Picture: Sasko Lazarov/ RollingNews.ie

Survivors of sexual offences say they have been left in a state of uncertainty following a vote on new legislation that does not ban the use of counselling notes in trials.

A Dáil vote on the Criminal Law and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026 was passed on Wednesday, with TDs voting 80 to 65 in favour of the bill. It has now been referred to the Justice Committee for the next stage.