The Government's legislation programme published on 17 September relates to the Autumn 2014 parliamentary session and does not contain any reference to legislation on copyright. I would draw the Deputy's attention to the fact that on 5 August 2014, I published a Bill entitled ''The Intellectual Property (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2014'' and I look forward to bringing this Bill before the Houses in due course. This Bill deals with aspects of patent and trade mark law but does not touch on the area of copyright.
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department is currently examining the Report entitled Modernising Copyright completed by the Copyright Review Committee. The Report contains in excess of 60 recommendations covering a diverse range of copyright issues. A number of the recommendations touch also on areas of responsibility outside of my Department's remit and these Departments have also been consulted.
My Department has obtained legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General on a number of recommendations that have the potential to raise significant legal issues and which therefore need to be carefully considered in advance of shaping any proposals for legislative reform. The intention is to complete the Department's analysis of the Report's recommendations with a view to bringing forward proposals for legislative reform for Government's consideration and approval by the end of 2014.
