Select Committee on Enterprise and Economic Strategy debate -
Friday, 2 Feb 1996

SECTION 1.

Mr. E. O'Keeffe

I move amendment No. 1:

In page 7, subsection (2), line 26, after "fix" to insert "which shall be before the end of March, 1996".

This is a simple amendment requesting that the legislation be in place before 1 April 1996. Otherwise, the 4,000 plus service mark applications filed by the Irish Trade Marks Office during 1993, 1994 and 1995 will be superseded by a community trade mark application dated 1 April 1996. This is not a contentious matter but it is urgent because of the administrative problems to which it could give rise. I have been advised that in order to keep in line with the Madrid Protocol it is important to have everything in order by 1 April. As I understand the Minister runs an efficient office I hope he can overcome the bureaucracy and put this legislation in place by 1 April.

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise and Employment (Mr. Rabbitte)

I accept Deputy O'Keeffe's point. We dealt with this matter at length on Second Stage and I share his concern in terms of an implementation date. However, I am sure he will understand that it would be most unusual for me, at the start of a Committee Stage meeting which is due to conclude at 12.30 p.m., to say that the legislation will be invoked by 1 April. I could not do that, but I share his concern in this regard. If the legislation has been dealt with, I will endeavour to adhere to that deadline.

Mr. E. O'Keeffe

I accept the Minister's good intentions and I look forward to measuring the efficiency of his office on this matter.

Mr. Sheehan

He will do his best to meet the Deputy's wishes.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Section 1 agreed to.