Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 4 July 2023

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality

General Scheme of the Defamation (Amendment) Bill: Discussion (Resumed)

Ms Jessica N? Mhain?n:

As I say, SLAPPs are identified by certain features, several hallmarks. SLAPPs are not only used to target journalists. It could also be anyone speaking out in the public interest if the SLAPP litigant is throwing around claims for a large amount of money. As I said, a hallmark would be something that drives up the time, energy and cost associated with defending a case.