Seán Ryan
Question:43 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans for reform of the libel laws; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32095/01]
Written Answers. - Libel Law Reform.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:57 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason he has failed to bring forward proposals for the reform of the law of libel. [31753/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 43 and 57 together.
Legislative proposals to amend the civil law of defamation and recast it within a more satisfactory legislative framework are being advanced as part of the Government's legislative programme. My Department has finalised its work on the scheme of a Bill which I intend to bring before Government for approval in the near future. Pending the submission of the scheme to Government, it would not be appropriate for me to go into detail about its likely content. However, I refer the Deputies to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 88 of 13 November 2001.