David Norris (Independent)

Will the Minister consider using terminology such as "two or more occasions", particularly in the same media outlet? I have personal experience of this.

I have consistently complained about the appalling way in which drinks licences are handed out willy-nilly and in most extraordinary circumstances all over this town. I said this on television, not once but twice. When the Minister speaks about exaggeration, I can assure him the letter I received from a well-known firm of solicitors was the most extraordinary piece of exaggerated nonsense I ever came across in my life. In exacerbation with every huckster's shop in Dublin's north inner city being licensed to sell as much as gin, beer and wine as it feels like, I asked what kind of idiots are handing out the licences. It turned out there is only one person, who took it very personally. I could not possibly have meant him; otherwise I would scarcely have used the plural.

I received a letter stating I had accused this eminent judge of being a well-known imbecile, idiot or person of low or restricted intelligence. The whole matter was blown out of proportion. My comments were not directed at the person. The humiliating and embarrassing aspect of this for me was that I was not aware of this person's existence. The insult was worse but the libel did not exist, in my opinion.

I must also add that judges are allowed to libel with impunity.