In recent times, there has been a near unanimous expression of support for the reform of the libel laws. In that context I find it wholly unacceptable that the Minister would seek to link defamation law reform with the regulation of the press. In October 2001, in a document entitled, Press for Change, Fine Gael published its proposals for a major overhaul of Ireland's outdated libel laws. The party broadly supports the proposed reforms as contained in the legal advisory group's draft Bill, however, it believes that the Bill as drafted fails to deal with many important issues.