Defamation laws to be reviewed

A comprehensive review of Ireland’s defamation laws is to take place, including how damages are awarded by the courts and whether the current laws cover online defamatory cases, Tánaiste and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has announced.

The review is in line with a previous commitment to examine changes made under the 2009 Defamation Act.

Media groups in recent years have expressed concern at high levels of damages awarded. Plaintiffs taking cases also want stronger rights to protect their good names.