Defamation Blog
Plain-English guides to the defamation law people actually meet — the post, the review, the shop floor, the reference, the WhatsApp group — written for the law as it stands since the Defamation (Amendment) Act 2026 commenced on 1 March 2026.
The Defamation (Amendment) Act 2026, Explained
Juries gone, serious harm for companies, the retail privilege, identification orders, the ADR duty and what is not yet commenced.
Libel vs Slander: Why Ireland Has One Tort
The 2009 Act abolished the distinction. What the single tort of defamation requires, and why spoken words count.
How Defamation Damages Are Assessed in Ireland
The Higgins v Irish Aviation Authority levels, aggravated damages, and the reported decisions - as information on the law, not a prediction.
How to Sue for Defamation in Ireland, Step by Step
Evidence, the letter, the ADR declaration, the court choice and the timeline from first publication to hearing.
The One-Year Defamation Time Limit
One year from first publication, two at the absolute outside, and why the post staying online does not restart the clock.
Defences to Defamation: Truth, Honest Opinion and Privilege
Every defence in the Act after the 2026 amendments, and the facts each one needs.
Offer of Amends After the 2026 Act
Same prominence for the correction, the defence lost only for knowing or reckless falsity, and conduct after the offer counting on costs.
Defamed on Facebook: What You Can Do
Posts, comments and group administrators - including the December 2024 High Court award against an administrator who ignored a removal order.
Defamed on Instagram, TikTok or X
Each platform’s notice route, the Digital Services Act, Coimisiún na Meán and the section 45 identification order.
Defamed on YouTube
Video publication, Gilroy v O’Leary, and when the platform is joined.
Defamation in WhatsApp and Local Facebook Groups
Publication to a small group still counts: neighbour disputes, residents’ groups and the private message that was not private.
A Fake Google Review Is Damaging My Business
Stillorgan Gas v Manning, honest opinion versus false fact, platform policy and the serious harm test.
The Serious Harm Test for Companies
Section 12: serious financial loss for a trading company, no test for individuals, and what evidence it takes.
A Shop Accused Me of Stealing: What Changed in 2026
The section 18(1A) retail privilege, Gallagher v O’Brien Retail Concepts on identification, and what still succeeds.
A Defamatory Job Reference
Qualified privilege, malice, and the data access request that gets you the reference.
How to Identify an Anonymous Troll in Ireland
Section 45 identification orders in the Circuit Court, the evidence, the Dublin intermediaries and the costs.
Received a Defamation Solicitor’s Letter: What Now
Do not reply in anger: the first response, the offer of amends, the apology that is not an admission, and the defences.
What It Costs to Sue for Defamation in Ireland
The consultation fee, the court choice, the costs risk if a claim fails, and the fixed-fee removal letter.
The Press Council Step Before You Sue
Section 34K: the solicitor’s duty to advise on the Press Council and right of reply, the statutory declaration, and the suspended clock.
Right to Be Forgotten: Getting Google to Delist
GDPR Article 17, why the Data Protection Commission wants a court finding, and the section 28 order that unlocks it.
Coco’s Law and Online Harassment
The Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020: intimate images, threatening messages, and the Garda route beside the civil claim.
SLAPPs in Ireland: What Is Coming
Part 7 of the 2026 Act is not commenced and a separate SLAPP Bill 2026 will replace it - what that means for claimants and defendants now.