asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the present situation with regard to the establishment of a European trade marks office; the prospects that Ireland might have as the location for the office; and when he expects a decision to be taken on the matter.
Written Answers. - European Trade Marks Office.
72.
The current position regarding the siting of the Community Trade Marks Office (CTMO) is as follows:
Nine member states have indicated their interest in offering a site for the office and a formal Commission proposal on the location of the CTMO is awaited. Since the choice of location is still open, Ireland is determined to pursue its candidacy vigorously.
Ireland officially submitted its candidacy for the location of the CTMO in October 1983, and in 1986 submitted an incentive package for Dublin to become the seat of the office. This incentive package was further enhanced by a Government decision of September 1987 offering to locate the office at the Customs House Docks site, thus making available the statutory incentives which apply at the site.
The Government have made it clear to our partners in the Community and to the Commission that they regard Dublin as a very suitable location for the Trade Marks Office. We have argued inter alia that considerable importance should be attached to the peripheral regions in decisions on the location of any new Community institution, and that undue emphasis on the financial incentives offered by candidates will inevitably favour the richer member states.