Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. As I have said, I welcome the Government's work on this. I am particularly happy to hear an answer that flags the issue in respect of journalists in particular because I am aware of a number of journalists who are experiencing what I described in my previous contribution. Everyone is entitled to his or her good name. I would not argue that for a second. No one should have to deal with abuse in any form, whether online or in person. All of us in this Chamber know that people of prominence are likely to be the subject of harsh criticism and fairly critical engagement. Who we, as prominent people, choose to ignore and who we demand money, apologies and silence from matters and is relevant. If someone has been maligned or defamed and an individual then retracts their comments, there should be no need for NDAs. I hope future legislation can recognise that. If your grievance and good name have been vindicated, that should be public knowledge. It would be important to include that in legislation.

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