Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms McSweeney and congratulate her for her well presented overview of Twitter. What legal options are there when someone posts and abusive or incorrect tweet or one that causes someone to feel harassed? This is a worldwide phenomenon by now. What recourse to the law have those who have been defamed or had malicious statements made about them on Twitter? The Minister pointed out yesterday that there is a gap in legislation but is it possible now to plug that gap? I know some people might say a tweet would have the same standing as a defamatory remark in print or broadcast media, but being organised in different jurisdictions, what consequences exist for the small minority who use this for mischief?