Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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538. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the review of the Defamation Act 2009; the date for the expected completion of that review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48325/21]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The review of the Defamation Act 2009 is a legislative priority for the Government and my Department.

The Justice Plan 2021 restates the Programme for Government commitment to review and reform our defamation laws to ensure a balanced approach to the right to freedom of expression and the right to protection of good name and reputation, as well as ensuring effective access to justice.

I am currently considering a number of important legislative reform initiatives – these include the review of defamation law, which is expected to be brought to Government soon.

As a measure of the Government's commitment to this reform, the Defamation (Amendment) Bill, to implement the resulting legislative changes, is already included in the Government’s Legislation Programme.

It is a priority for me and my Department to get the reform of defamation law right, and to bring forward the required legislation at the earliest opportunity.