Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 4 Dec 2003

Vol. 576 No. 3

Written Answers. - Copyright Theft.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

119 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his Department's views on the recent report of the Irish National Federation Against Copyright Theft on the sale of counterfeit goods in Drogheda market. [29545/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that local gardaí, in conjunction with the Irish National Federation against Copyright Theft, regularly carry out raids at Drogheda market targeted at the sale of counterfeit goods.

I am further informed that on 30 November 2003 the Garda anti-racketeering unit, attached to the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, together with local gardaí, carried out a number of searches in the Drogheda area of County Louth. A substantial amount of counterfeit goods including material intended for sale at Drogheda market was seized and a number of persons detained. Files are being prepared for submission to the law officers on these seizures.

The Garda anti-racketeering unit is continuing with its operations to target individuals engaged in the sale of counterfeit intellectual properties and will continue enforcing the Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000.