Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)

I wish to indicate to the House that I intend to bring forward some further amendments, about some of which we are not yet clear as to the exact placing within the Bill. Those amendments will include an amendment to provide for clearer and simpler defence of fair and reasonable publication in the public interest, which is particularly important to protect responsible public interest journalism, a small number of additional amendments to Part 8 of the Bill in relation to alternative dispute resolution and an amendment in relation to the transposition of the remaining provisions of the anti-SLAPP directive.

In parallel to the progression of the Bill, my officials are working on the transposition of the remaining requirements of the anti-SLAPP directive. If it transpires that any of those remaining elements of the directive require transposition by way of primary legislation, that may be done by way of amendment to this Bill, given that there are already extensive transposition provisions included in Part 7. There may also be an amendment in respect of the granting of damages for harm suffered by a person targeted by SLAPP if it is believed that is necessary or appropriate. In consultation with the Courts Service we are looking at the wording of provisions relating to the publication of judgments to ensure they are operable in practice. Finally, we will seek to include transitional provisions and minor language revisions. These are the potential amendments that will be brought forward on Report Stage.

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