News groups could be 'one libel action away from doom', committee hears [Ireland]

RTÉ News ^ | Wednesday, 17 Jan 2024 19:02

[Olog-hai]

Independent news publications could be “one libel action away from doom” if the defamation laws in Ireland are not reformed, an Oireachtas committee has heard.

Dave O’Connell, editor of The Connaught Tribune and a member of Local Ireland, which represents 33 publishers, was addressing the Joint Committee on Media..

“The current legislation on defamation is not fit for purpose,” Mr. O’Connell said. “It’s the legal fees that are killing us.”

“One half-decent action without any malicious intent could close us down,” he warned, adding that the publication could be “one libel action away from doom”.

Following a review of the Defamation Act (2009), and publication of a Draft General Scheme last summer, in the coming weeks Minister for Justice Helen McEntee is expected to present a bill to Cabinet to update the legislation. …

[Lurker]

Maybe they shouldn’t commit libel.

Just a thought.

L

[Olog-hai]

This has nothing to do with committing libel but being accused of libel, most likely wrongly. The process is the punishment, there just like here; independent media outlets would not have the resources to fight the suits.

[RushIsMyTeddyBear]

Exactly.

[billorites]

Doomed!