Vol. 477 No. 3
42 Dr. McDaid asked the Minister for Justice the proposals, if any, she has in relation to reproduction of photographs in the light of the report of the Law Reform Commission on contempt of court; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6656/97]
The Law Reform Commission report on contempt of court, which raises many complex issues and contains a wide range of recommendations, is being examined in my Department at present. The report, which has to be read in conjunction with the Commission's earlier consultation paper on the subject, contains a recommendation that a statutory sub judice rule should apply to any publication which creates a substantial risk that the course of justice in proceedings would be seriously impeded or prejudiced. In the course of my examination of the issues involved I will consider specifically what new measures, if any, may be necessary to deal with the publication of photographs which may prejudice the outcome of a trial. Given the complex issues involved it is not possible to say at this stage when this examination will be completed. However, any proposals for legislation which may be necessary as a result of that examination will be announced in the usual way.
