Northern Ireland Act 1998 (c. 47)

Part IV The Northern Ireland Assembly

Miscellaneous

50 Privilege

(1) For the purposes of the law of defamation, absolute privilege shall attach to—

(a) the making of a statement in proceedings of the Assembly; and

(b) the publication of a statement under the Assembly’s authority.

(2) A person is not guilty of contempt of court under the strict liability rule as the publisher of any matter—

(a) in the course of proceedings of the Assembly which relate to a Bill or subordinate legislation; or

(b) to the extent that it consists of a fair and accurate report of such proceedings which is made in good faith.

(3) In this section—

• “statement” has the same meaning as in the [1996 c. 31.] Defamation Act 1996;

• “the strict liability rule” has the same meaning as in the [1981 c. 49.] Contempt of Court Act 1981.