The use of counselling notes in trials will only be permitted where there is a risk of an unfair trial, according to plans approved by Cabinet. Justice minister Jim O’Callaghan brought legislation to Cabinet, which will ensure records are only released where a judge decides after a disclosure hearing that they contain evidence relevant to legal proceedings. Mr O'Callaghan also received government approval for a disregard of certain historical convictions relating to consensual same-sex activity, as committed to in the programme for government. “The Victorian-era laws that criminalised consensual sexual activity between men are now rightly recognised as a historical injustice," Mr O'Callaghan said. The changes to the law will be made as amendments to the Criminal Law and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026, currently at committee stage in the Dáil.

Source: Irish Examiner February 05, 2026 01:18 UTC