Minister Jim O’Callaghan signs Defamation (Amendment) Act (Commencement) Order 2026
- Foilsithe:
- An t-eolas is déanaí:
25 February 2026
Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan has today signed the Defamation (Amendment) Act (Commencement) Order 2026, which provides for the commencement of the majority of the provisions of the Act from 1 March 2026. This includes provisions:
- reforming of the role of juries in High Court defamation cases;
- providing statutory jurisdiction for the Circuit Court to make orders requiring identification of anonymous posters of defamatory material;
- amending and simplifying the defence of fair publication in the public interest;
- introducing new statutory defences for ‘retail defamation’ cases and for live broadcasting;
- introducing a ‘serious harm’ test for bodies corporate; and
- encouraging alternative dispute resolution including a revised ‘offer of amends’ procedure.
Part 7 of the Act, which contains provisions in relation to abusive proceedings against public participation (SLAPPs), will be commenced to align with the provisions of the Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation Bill, the General Scheme of which was published on 11 February 2026. This Bill will provide for safeguards against SLAPPs in respect of all other civil and commercial proceedings outside of defamation proceedings. It will also complete transposition of the EU Anti-SLAPP Directive.
Minister O’Callaghan said:
‘’I am pleased to have signed the orders commencing the majority of the Defamation (Amendment) Act 2026 today. This is an important Act that balances and safeguards the rights to freedom of expression with the protection of a person's good name and reputation, and the right of access to justice. Commencement will bring considerable reform to defamation law.’’
ENDS