Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take amendments Nos. 44 to 48 together because they are essentially linked. I agreed on Committee Stage to reconsider an issue raised by the Labour Party, namely, that the express permission of the court be required prior to a defendant being allowed to give evidence of any matter that might have a bearing on the reputation of the plaintiff in a defamation action. I am proposing to provide the requirement to obtain the leave of the court along the lines suggested by the Labour Party. It will send a signal to the courts that they must be careful not to admit prejudicial evidence in a particular context. Amendment No. 44 is a consequential drafting amendment.