Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 February 2022
250. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 644 of 27 January 2021, the reason the review of the Defamation Act 2009 was not published by the end of March 2021 as per her prior commitment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8851/22]
View answerThe review of the Defamation Act 2009 is a legislative priority for the Government. 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 Government Legislation Programme includes preparation of the General Scheme of a Defamation (Amendment) Bill, to give effect to the recommendations approved by Government. In my own Department, the Justice Plan also contains a commitment to complete and publish a review of the Defamation Act 2009.
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.
The Report of the Review has been completed and I will bring it to Government very shortly for approval of its publication.
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.
