Vol. 396 No. 7
39 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce when Ireland will sign the European Patent Convention, 1973; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the delay in signing the convention is proving to be a matter of embarrassment in relations with our European partners.
Ireland signed the European Patent Convention in 1973. The Government intend to ratify the convention following the enactment of the new Patents Bill, the draft heads of which were approved in September 1988. The drafting of the Bill is being treated as a priority matter and it will be introduced as early as possible.
I am not aware that our position is proving to be a matter of embarrassment in relations with our European partners.
