Press Council of Ireland Welcomes Publication of Defamation Legislation

The Press Council of Ireland has welcomed yesterday’s Government decision to publish the Defamation (Amendment) Bill.

The Press Council Chairperson, Rory Montgomery, congratulated the Minister for Justice and her Department on this very important step.

Mr Montgomery said that “Reform of Irish defamation law is necessary to support print and online journalism, and other media, in their role as a vital component of our democracy. It is long overdue. We call upon the Government to take this legislation forward as a matter of urgency”.

He added that the Press Council will consider the Bill in detail and will continue to engage with the Department of Justice on it. He commented that “the Office of the Press Ombudsman and the Press Council will of course continue to offer those who believe they have been unfairly treated by the press a quick, fair and free alternative to the legal route”.

25 July 2024

For press queries please contact 01 648 9130 or email administrator@pressombudsman.ie