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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 2 Feb 2000

Vol. 513 No. 4

Written Answers. - Libel Law.

John Bruton

Ceist:

103 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his proposals to change the libel law will include the provision of an ombudsman for the newspaper industry; and, if not, the reason in this regard. [2413/00]

As indicated in the Government's legislation programme, as announced by the Government Chief Whip on 25 January 2000, the heads of proposals for a defamation Bill are in the course of being prepared in my Department. That work is taking into account the recommendations made by bodies such as the Law Reform Commission and the Commission on the Newspaper Industry and submissions made by the newspaper industry. The appointment by the newspaper industry, on a self-regulatory non-statutory basis, of a person to act as an ombudsman for the industry is among the recommendations made by the Commission on the Newspaper Industry and is also being taken into account in the preparation of my proposals for a Bill. The details of the proposed Bill will be announced in the normal way when they have been approved by the Government.

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