asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the British authorities have built an office block in central London which is clearly designated on the outside as the future EC Patents Office; and if Ireland has withdrawn its application to have such an EC body located in Dublin.
Written Answers. - EC Patents Office.
44.
As there is no proposal for the establishment of a European Community patents office I think that the Deputy is referring to the proposed Community Trade Mark Office.
I am aware that in connection with their proposal for the location of the office in London the UK authorities suggested a building at St. Catherine's Tower, Central London.
Ireland and many other member states have also made bids to get the office for their own particular country. The question of the location of the office is still being debated within the Community and, so far as I am aware, most of the bids still stand.
In any event, I can assure the Deputy that Ireland's proposal to have the Community Trade Mark Office located in Dublin has not been withdrawn.