asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will consider the recommendation of the Union of Professional and Technical Civil Servants that an independent review body be set up regarding changes in Irish patent law; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Irish Patent law.
57.
I do not consider it necessary to establish a review body as envisaged in the recommendation made by the Union of Professional and Technical Civil Servants.
Submissions have already been received from the principal interest groups setting out certain features which should be incorporated into the current patent law. In addition, there have been extensive consultations — and there will be further consultations as required — with the Confederation of Irish Industry, the IDA, EOLAS, and the Association of Patent and Trade Mark Agents. Certain common ground has been established as a result of these consultations. It will be noted, furthermore, that the organisations consulted are in the main those whom the UPTCS suggested should be on the proposed review body.