The Irish Justice Minister has said that legislation to provide for a press council in the Republic will be introduced by the end of the year as part of a proposed reform of the law of defamation.
Addressing a conference in Dublin on privacy law, Minister McDowell undertook to bring about the council via “an independent process” and not by Government appointment. It would have statutory recognition and it would represent the media, journalists, proprietors and owners – and the public interest. Complainants would be offered redress other than litigation.
The minister said, while the media would continue to have the right to publish and to comment on public affairs, the press council would be provided with requirements concerning retraction and correction.
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