Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 October 2021
538. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Justice the status of the review of the Defamation Act 2009; the date for the expected completion of that review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48325/21]
View answerThe review of the Defamation Act 2009 is a legislative priority for the Government and my Department.
The Justice Plan 2021 restates the Programme for Government commitment to review and reform our defamation laws to ensure a balanced approach to the right to freedom of expression and the right to protection of good name and reputation, as well as ensuring effective access to justice.
I am currently considering a number of important legislative reform initiatives – these include the review of defamation law, which is expected to be brought to Government soon.
As a measure of the Government's commitment to this reform, the Defamation (Amendment) Bill, to implement the resulting legislative changes, is already included in the Government’s Legislation Programme.
It is a priority for me and my Department to get the reform of defamation law right, and to bring forward the required legislation at the earliest opportunity.
