McDowell to publish Defamation Bill in two weeks’ time
28/03/2006 - 08:05:38Minister for Justice Michael McDowell is reportedly planning to publish his long-awaited Defamation Bill in two weeks' time.
The legislation, which is designed to reform the libel laws, will pave the way for the establishment of a voluntary press council.
The bill was presented to the cabinet last June, but its publication was delayed when Fianna Fáil ministers insisted that it be accompanied by new measures to prevent media intrusion into people's private lives.
This morning's reports say that, as a result of that, a new Privacy Bill will also be published alongside the Defamation Bill in around a fortnight's time.
