Jim O'Keeffe
Question:157 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to libel law reform and the establishment of a press council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12820/03]
Written Answers. - Libel Law Reform.
As the Deputy will be aware, the scheme of a defamation Bill was agreed by Government in December 2001 and was sent to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for drafting.
Last September I established the legal advisory group on defamation against the background of An Agreed Programme for Government which indicated that the Government would, in the context of a statutory press council and improved privacy laws, move to implement reforms of libel laws designed to bring them into line with those of other states. The group was mandated to assess the legal changes which may be required if Ireland's defamation laws are to be consistent with best practice in other jurisdictions. It was also mandated to consider the nature and extent of any statutory intervention which might attach to any entity concerned with the regulation of the press.
I received the report of the group at the end of March and I anticipate that it will be brought before Government, for consideration and discussion, in early course.