No. 40/1961:

DEFAMATION ACT, 1961

ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS

PART I PRELIMINARY AND GENERAL

1 Short title.

2 Interpretation generally.

3 Commencement and proceedings affected.

4 Repeals.

PART II CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS OF LIBEL

5 Competence of jury to give general verdict on trial of indictment for libel.

6 Plea of truth of matters charged on trial for defamatory libel and that publication was for public benefit.

7 Evidence by person charged to rebut prima facie case of publication by his agent.

8 Order of Judge required for prosecution of newspaper proprietor, etc.

9 Inquiry as to libel being for public benefit or being true.

10 Provisions as to summary conviction for libel.

11 Penalty for maliciously publishing defamatory libel.

12 Penalty for maliciously publishing libel known to be false.

13 Penalty for printing or publishing blasphemous or obscene libel.

PART III CIVIL PROCEEDINGS FOR DEFAMATION

14 Interpretation. (Part III).

15 Broad statements.

16 Words imputing unchastity or adultery actionable out special damage.

17 Offer of an apology admissible in evidence in mitigation of damages in action for defamation.

18 Newspaper and broadcast reports of proceedings in court privileged .

19 Slander affecting official, professional or business reputation.

20 Slander of title, etc.

21 Unintentional defamation.

22 Justification.

23 Fair comment.

24 Qualified privilege of certain newspaper and broadcasting reports.

25 Agreements for indemnity.

26 Evidence of other damages recovered by plaintiff.

27 Obligation on certain newspaper proprietors to be registered under the Registration of Business Names Act, 1916.

28 Saving.

FIRST SCHEDULE

SECOND SCHEDULE

AN ACT TO CONSOLIDATE WITH AMENDMENTS CERTAIN ENACTMENTS RELATING TO THE LAW OF DEFAMATION.

[17th August, 1961.]

BE IT ENACTED BY THE OIREACHTAS AS FOLLOWS:—