Worldwide publishing body calls for Irish defamation reform
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The World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) has called for reform of Ireland’s defamation laws to strengthen freedom of expression, The Irish Times reports.
At a board meeting in New York, the Association expressed “dismay” that defamation awards in Ireland are often up to ten times higher than comparable awards in neighbouring jurisdictions.
In a statement, it said: “The board of WAN-IFRA expresses its solidarity with Irish newspapers seeking to have Irish law brought into line with that in other developed democracies.
“It reiterates the importance of a free, independent and vibrant press holding governments and the powerful to account, unhindered by repressive defamation laws.”
A statutory review of the Defamation Act 2009 was launched by the Department of Justice in November 2016 but has not completed.
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