Reform is in the public's interest

The discussion document on the laws governing libel and defamation published yesterday

The media in this country is hampered by laws which militate against an openness and transparency in scrutinising issues of public interest which is accepted as the norm in most other western countries.

Under the Programme for Government there was a commitment that, in the context of a statutory Press Council and improved privacy laws, a move would be made to bring our libel laws into line with those of other states.