Vol. 535 No. 1
517 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 78 of 12 April 2001, the proposals for legislation on defamation being prepared in his Department deal with the very high expenses involved in bringing an action for defamation through the courts system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11660/01]
544 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans he has to establish a supervisory body for the print media; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12134/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 517 and 544 together.
General legislative proposals to amend the civil law of defamation are being advanced as part of the Government's legislation programme. The heads of a defamation Bill have yet to be approved by Government and it would not be appropriate for me to pre-empt Government consideration of the matter by indicating at this time the precise matters which are under consideration for inclusion in the Bill. It would, however, be true to say that certain of the recommendations of the Law Reform Commission in relation to this area of the law would, if implemented, provide plaintiffs in defamation actions with methods of redress which have the potential to be cheaper than traditional court actions in which damages are sought.
With regard to the establishment of a supervisory body for the media, it should be recalled that the Commission on the Newspaper Industry recommended that an ombudsman be appointed and funded by the newspaper industry itself. I understand that my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment has indicated in replies to parliamentary questions in the past that she agrees with that recommendation. I would also be of that view.
