Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

We discussed this matter on Committee Stage. We believe the amendment to be unnecessary as we are unaware of any instance of a person who had only a secretarial involvement in the handling or preparation of a statement alleged to be defamatory being the subject of a defamation action. My advice is that it would be unwise and impractical on the basis proposed to exempt any party as a possible respondent in an action for defamation. Each case will turn on its own merits.

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