Comedian Al Porter, aka Alan Kavanagh, has entered a full defence in a defamation action taken against him by Senator David Norris over a joke made on RTÉ.

Independent Senator David Norris filed the action in the High Court in May 2014 against RTÉ and the young comedian.

Norris claims that he was defamed on the broadcast, which included a gag about Norris’ views on TV3 reality show, Tallafornia.

Previously, Norris had criticised the program calling it “a seriously drink-sodden programme where young people are exploited.”

The joke was a part of Porter’s segment on RTÉ Two New Comedy Awards, in which he was a finalist.

Barrister for Norris, Peter Mc Kenna, told the court today that since seeking a summary judgment against Porter after he failed to enter a defence, a defence had been entered last month. McKenna stated that his client was now seeking only an order for costs.