Irish Examiner view: Reform of Irish defamation laws is long overdue

Press freedom has been curtailed by current legislation which represent a major prohibitive factor in journalists reporting on high-profile figures 

Irish media groups have insisted for years that a cap on libel damages is needed and an end to jury-led defamation cases.

Reform of the Irish defamation laws is long overdue.

Back in November 2019, the then Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan promised to present proposals to reform of our defamation laws to the Dáil by spring 2020, saying that a free and independent media was vital to democracy and essential to avoid any ‘chilling effect’ on free speech due to high and unpredictable libel awards.