Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 June 2013
285. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on whether the High Court order requiring UPC, Vodafone, O2, Imagine, Digiweb and 3 to block a website (details supplied) conflicts with the stated opinion (details further supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29326/13]
View answer286. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources following the High Court order requiring UPC, Vodafone, O2, Imagine, Digiweb and 3 to block a website (details supplied), his views on whether internet service providers need to install and operate technology such as deep packet inspection; if so, the safeguards that are in place to ensure that they are only used for the purpose defined by the court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29327/13]
View answer287. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources following a High Court order requiring UPC, Vodafone, O2, Imagine, Digiweb and 3 to block a website (details supplied), the process and the way in which websites or destinations can be added to this court order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29328/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 285 to 287, inclusive, together.
As Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources I have overall responsibility for electronic communications policy, but I have no responsibility in relation to the actions of persons conducting illegal downloading of copyright music and other material over electronic communications networks. The issue of alleged illegal downloading of music or other material raises issues relating to copyright infringement, data protection and the issue of freedom of expression. I understand that the legislation introduced by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation in 2012 sought, in line with the requirements of EU copyright legislation, to provide legal certainty to ensure the ability to seek injunctive relief before the Courts in the event that copyright material was allegedly being infringed in the online environment.
