Patrick Costello
Question:1224. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice when the departmental report on defamation law will be published (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63446/21]
View answerWednesday, 19 January 2022
Questions (1224)
Written answers
The Programme for Government contains a specific commitment to “review and reform defamation laws to ensure a balanced approach to the right to freedom of expression, the right to protection of good name and reputation, and the right of access to justice”.
The review of the Defamation Act 2009 is a legislative priority for the Government.
The objective set for the review from the outset was to ensure that our defamation law strikes the correct balance between rights which are protected both by our Constitution and by the European Convention on Human Rights – the individual’s right to their good name and privacy, and the right to freedom of expression, taking account of the vital role played by a free and independent press in our democracy.
The review has included extensive public consultation, including a stakeholder symposium held in November 2019 with extensive media participation.
I expect to bring the report to Government very shortly with a view to its publication thereafter.
A Defamation (Amendment) Bill, to advance the reforms approved by Government following the review, is already included in the Government’s current Legislation Programme. It is a priority for the Government to get the reform of defamation law right, and to bring forward the required legislation at the earliest opportunity.
I expect preparation of the General Scheme of the Defamation (Amendment) Bill to begin early this year.