Challenge puts pressure on Minister to reform libel laws

IRELAND’S libel laws are to be challenged in the European Court of Human Rights in a case set to put Justice Minister Michael McDowell under pressure to fast-track reforms of the legislation.

The Strasbourg-based court has set October 16 as the provisional date for the hearing of the case around the same time Mr McDowell plans to hold what he terms a "high level conference" to kick-start public debate on the issue.

The case is being taken by Independent News and Media and Independent Newspapers Ireland against the State but is backed by submissions from other newspapers and media organisations, including the Irish Examiner.