Stalking and harassment could be made criminal offences under proposals being considered by the Law Reform Commission.
A preliminary study has indicated current laws offer little or no protection to those suffering repeated harassment from jilted lovers, ex-spouses, debt collectors, journalists or anyone who may persistently follow or otherwise harass them.
Similar concern in Britain has led to the Protection from Harassment Act, which came into force in June, creating two new criminal offences.
A civil remedy now allows victims to sue for emotional distress and judges can make wide-ranging orders against stalkers.
Canada, Australia and New Zealand also have anti-harassment laws.
'This has nothing to do with the death of Princess Diana,' a source said.
'We were considering it long before that.' An official at the Law Reform Commission said a report was expected to be issued early next year.
