Noel Dempsey
Ceist:31 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has any plans to amend the Copyright Act, 1963; and, if so, the amendments being considered.
Written Answers. - Copyright Act, 1963.
Some time ago, the Government approved a Copyright Amendment Bill dealing with the protection of computer programmes. This measure is being held, however, pending finalisation of an EC Directive on the subject.
I plan to submit shortly to the Government proposals to amend the copyright law in a number of other respects. These will include provisions concerning diffusion of broadcasts; improved penalties for copyright infringement and enforcement measures; and other miscellaneous amendments designed to improve the law.
As a general observation I would mention that aspects of copyright law will most likely arise for consideration in the near future in the EC and in international fora and the outcome of these deliberations may well give rise to other amendments of the law in future.