Caught a Thief? Asked For ID? Checked If A Note Was Fake? You Might Get Sued, CEO Warns

Monday, 21 July 2025 12:13

By Martin Osborne

Neil McDonnell, CEO of ISME, told Kfm that shop staff are being sued for doing their jobs.

Retailers across Ireland say they're under legal siege.

Asking for ID. Refusing a dodgy €50 note. Requesting a receipt.

Any of these - they warn - can now lead to a defamation lawsuit.

Neil McDonnell, CEO of ISME, told Kfm that shop staff are being sued for doing their jobs.

He’s calling the new Defamation (Amendment) Bill a retreat - not a reform.

He said a key protection for retailers was quietly dropped from the bill.

It would have stopped lawsuits over everyday retail interactions.

Instead, he said cases are rising.

He explained how one business faced four suits after refusing service to someone without ID.

They settled - at a cost of €27,000.

Others are told are being told not to confront shoplifters as it is not worth the legal risk.

McDonnell wants the Defamation Bill to reintroduce protection against “transient retail defamation” - so staff can't be sued for routine actions like asking for ID, checking a receipt, or refusing a fake note.

He has also called for a “harm test” to be added, meaning someone can only sue if they’ve suffered real reputational damage.

He argued that an an “expanded qualified privilege” in the Bill does not protect retailers.

In 2023, Ireland had more defamation cases than England and Wales - 19 times higher per capita.

The Defamation (Amendment) Bill 2024 is currently wrapping up in the Seanad Éireann.

It completed its Committee Stage on July 17, 2025, and is now approaching its Third Stage, typically the final review before enactment.

More from Local News

Kfm Obituary Notices

Kfm obituaries notices are broadcast daily following the 8am, 10am, 1pm, 5pm news
Sharp Rise In M9 Collisions With Garda Call-Outs Up Year-On-Year

The figures, provided by An Garda Síochána, show a sharp increase compared to previous years.
Councillor Seeks Clarity On How Often Nightclubs and Late Bars In Naas Are Inspected For Fire Risks

Kildare Fire Service says all venues applying to renew their annual dance licence through the District Court were inspected in advance of the hearings.
Unpaid Eight-Month Work And Training Placement For Adults With Disabilities Branded "Extremely Unfair"

One Kildare mother told Kfm News that their child had been attending structured placements each weekday, typically from around 9:30am to 3pm, and in some cases carrying out tasks for up to two hours at a time - but are not receiving any form of payment.
Department Of Education Defends Kildare SNA Cuts Amid Claims Of Reduced Need At Some Schools

They said there "are many reasons why the level of need for SNA support in schools may fluctuate including falling enrolments, reduced or increased care needs and changing demographics as children move from primary to post-primary schools".
Naas Nurses Threaten Escalation As Staffing Row Deepens

Nurses spoke to Kfm News this week about issues they are dealing with on a daily basis.
Driving Tests Face Disruption As RSA Testers To Strike Next Week

The driving test centre in Naas is the only driving test centre in Kildare and attracts candidates from Kildare, Dublin, Wicklow and Laois.
Kfm Obituary Notices

Kfm obituaries notices are broadcast daily following the 8am, 10am, 1pm, 5pm news