Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 May 2012
287 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his position on the Anti Counterfeiting Trade Agreement; if he will be instructing MEPs from Government parties to support the matter when it comes before them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21329/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) is an international trade agreement that aims to help countries work together to tackle more effectively large-scale Intellectual Property Rights violations by clamping down on counterfeiting and piracy. It aims to strike a fair balance between the interests of the parties concerned, including citizens, consumers, civil society and business; and to guarantee all safeguards and exemptions provided by existing or European norms, such as fundamental rights, privacy and freedom of speech. Ireland, along with 21 other Member States signed ACTA on 26 January 2012.
Following public concerns regarding ACTA, the Commission has decided to refer the Agreement to the Court of Justice of the European Union to assess whether it is in any way incompatible with the EU's fundamental principles in particular with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. The Commission Legal Service is currently finalising the written submission that will accompany the question.
MEPs are democratically elected to represent the citizens of the European Union and act independently in that role in the EU Parliament. As a Member of the European Parliament and a representative of the people of Europe, it is their responsibility to fully inform themselves of the merit of this Agreement for the people of Europe prior to any vote. Accordingly, my Department is available to provide MEPs with background briefing should that be required.
