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Dáil
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Contempt of court sanctions

Summary

Josepha Madigan urged progress on programme for Government commitments to sanction social media companies for contempt of court and protect the administration of justice. The Taoiseach said he would seek an update from the Justice Minister.

There is a commitment in the programme for Government in relation to sanctions for contempt of court violations against social media companies. The Taoiseach will recall that the last time I was a backbencher, I brought forward a Private Member's Bill regarding contempt of court. It is important that we prevent any conduct that abuses, prejudices or obstructs the administration of justice. It is vital that we move this forward and fulfil our commitment in the programme for Government. It has been on a statutory footing in the UK since 1981. It has been called for on many different occasions, including by the Law Reform Commission and the former Chief Justice, Susan Denham. The Jobstown trial many years ago is not something we want to see again. I ask that it be expedited in the programme for Government, I hope, through this Administration.

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Simon Harris The Taoiseach Fine Gael

I know Deputy Madigan has had a long-standing interest in this issue and I thank her for raising it. I am eager that any outstanding issues in the programme for Government are advanced and progressed. I am sure the Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee, is working on this. I will get an update from her for the Deputy.

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