Flanagan backs review of contempt of court laws in principle

Charlie Flanagan

The justice minister said he would also support a review of libel laws as he reflected on the use of social media during the Jobstown trial last year.

Mr Flanagan said: “I would be keen that we can advance matters in terms of a review of that issue, with particular reference to the unsatisfactory nature of the contempt of court at present.

“However, we have a very full-on legislative programme here. As well as my own priorities, with criminal and civil and a piece of legislation on Northern Ireland issues. I also have a large number of private members’ bills, between 40 and 50 outstanding pieces currently on the books.”

Culture Minister Josepha Madigan, a solicitor, has submitted a private member’s bill which addresses the same issues.

Neither the Government nor opposition party Fianna Fáil have said whether they will support the bill.