The Psychological Society of Ireland

Lobbying Organisation The Psychological Society of Ireland

Date published 11 Sep, 2025

Relevant Matter Legislation

Public Policy Area Justice and Equality

Period 1 May, 2025 to 31 Aug, 2025

Specific Details Circulation of PSI Press Release to Government Ministers Calling for an End to the Use of Therapy Notes in Rape and Sexual Assault Cases

Intended results The PSI seeks to secure legislative reform prohibiting the use of therapy notes in legal proceedings involving sexual assault, to protect survivor confidentiality and access to psychological care. PSI aims to establish its expertise as the professional voice for psychology on this issue, influence opposition TDs to support relevant legislation, and prompt Government action on trauma-informed, rights-based policies in response to gender-based violence.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Kennedy Fiorella, PSI Policy and Advocacy Manager

Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?) No

Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign? No

Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client? No

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Email (1)

PSI circulated a press release calling for an end to the use of therapy notes in sexual assault legal proceedings. The release set out PSI’s rationale against the practice, referenced PSI’s Position Statement, CSO data on sexual violence, ethical guidelines, and survivor concerns. The activity aimed to inform designated public officials, support survivor-centred legislation, and position PSI as a stakeholder in shaping reform.

Designated public officials lobbied

The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them. As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill Minister (Department of Health)

Mary Butler Minister of State (Department of Health)

Jim O'Callaghan Minister (Department of Justice)