The legislation, which was passed by the Oireachtas on Wednesday 11th of February 2026 and signed into law by the President, represents a shift in the Irish legal landscape regarding freedom of expression and media regulation. 

During her interview on Oireachtas News, Dr. Costello, highlighted several key advancements introduced by the Bill, most notably:  

  • The abolition of juries: The new amendments which abolish juries in defamation trials follow a similar reform in England and Wales in 2013 (which met with mixed results) and has been proposed as a means of ensuring consistency in awards, and more time and cost-effective proceedings. 
  • Reform of defences: The simplification of specific legal defences available to journalists and media outlets, as well as new defences intended to provide greater clarity and protection for publishers and the media. 
  • New procedures for identifying anonymous defamers: The welcome introduction of a new, more efficient procedure for obtaining "Norwich Pharmacal" orders which does not require parties to go to the High Court. These legal orders allow people to find out the real identities of anonymous online users who have posted defamatory content. 

While acknowledging these developments, Dr Costello also offered critical reflections on the Bill’s shortcomings. She noted that similar jury reforms in England and Wales had met with mixed success, while the lack of changes to legal aid for defamation actions mean broader access to justice issues remain, despite recommendations from civil society organisations who advocated for legislative change in light of citizens’ right to a good name. 

Full discussion and Dr Costello’s segment via the links below: