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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 22 May 1996

Vol. 465 No. 7

Written Answers. - Copyright Legislation.

Liam Lawlor

Question:

109 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the current position in respect of the promised copyright legislation, particularly in view of current controversies in the matter of copyright as it effects the national school system. [10489/96]

The Deputy will be aware that the Intellectual Property Unit of my Department recently carried out a comprehensive review of copyright legislation in Ireland. The unit is currently involved in the drafting of heads of a very substantial Bill in this extremely difficult and technical area.

This new legislation will be very substantial, as this area has not been addressed in over 30 years and as legal and technological changes since then have greatly impacted on this issue. I intend to bring forward this legislation as soon as possible but the Deputy will appreciate that given the difficulties and technical issues involved, the importance of the legal rights provided for and the nature of our international obligations, this process must not be rushed. The Deputy can be assured that there will be no delay in processing the legislation. Steady progress is being made in this regard and that I will make every effort to expedite it. It is intended that this legislation will,inter alia, ensure the appropriate protection of music in schools and elsewhere, while respecting the rights of authors and users of copyright material and remaining consistent with Ireland's obligations in the copyright and related rights arenas.
In respect of the controversy to which the Deputy refers, the Minister of State with responsibility for commerce, science and technology has met directly with IMRO and substantial progress was made towards creating the environment for an acceptable resolution.
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