The long wait is nearly over. The Defamation Act 2009 will come into force on 1 January 2010. From the Department of Justice [pdf]:
Defamation Act 2009 (Commencement) Order 2009 (SI No 517 of 2009)
I, Dermot Ahern, Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 1(2) of the Defamation Act 2009 (No 31 of 2009), hereby order as follows:
1. This Order may be cited as the Defamation Act 2009 (Commencement) Order 2009.
2. The 1st day of January 2010 is appointed as the day on which the Defamation Act 2009 (No 31 of 2009) comes into operation.
Given under my Official Seal,
15 December 2009.DERMOT AHERN,
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
So does that mean it’s illegal to cuss De Lawd’s name come New Year’s Day?
Indeed, at least in the sense that the welcome Act brings the unwelcome blasphemy offence. So, happy new year then.