Defamation Bill due before Dáil by Easter

THE long-awaited bill to reform the country’s controversial libel laws will be published by the Government between now and Easter.

The Defamation Bill was one of 17 pieces of new legislation included in the Government’s legislative programme for the spring session of the Oireachtas.

The bill will radically change the law in relation to libel, which has been criticised as punitive and restrictive by the media, while the legislation also provides for the setting up of a press council.