Vol. 445 No. 6
220 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the charges being imposed by the Irish Music Rights Organisation on voluntary festivals; the steps, if any, he will take to amend the Copyright Act, 1963, to exclude community non-profit making festivals which attract tourists from such charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [520/94]
I am well aware that licensing bodies, including IMRO, which represent copyright holders have become quite proactive in collecting their rightholders charges in all areas in recent years.
As a result of this increased level of activity numerous organisations have made representations to my Department. On foot of these representations and, in view of recent dramatic changes in technology which impact on copyright, my Department is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of all matters relating to this subject. The point raised by the Deputy will be examined in that context. I hope to be in a position to introduce a modernising piece of legislation to the Dáil in this very complex area in the near future.
