Should Gardaí Reveal Past Domestic Abuse to New Partners? Episode 419

In this episode, Niall asks: Should Gardaí be allowed to tell potential partners if someone has a history of domestic violence? There have been calls for a new law that would let Gardaí share information about individuals who’ve been accused or convicted of domestic abuse. Supporters say it could save lives. Critics argue it’s an invasion of privacy and undermines the principle of “innocent until proven guilty.”

Some callers said it’s a no-brainer: If someone has a pattern of abuse, especially if convicted, new partners deserve to know. Others were more cautious, warning that unfounded accusations could ruin reputations and be misused during bitter breakups. One caller insisted even allegations should be taken seriously, pointing to the difficulty of securing convictions in such cases.

As Niall points out, it’s a complex issue that pits personal safety against personal rights — and asks how far the state should go to protect people from potential harm.