Minister signs copyright SI into law

Minister for Research and Innovation, Sean Sherlock has signed a controversial statutory instrument (SI) to bring Irish law into line with European Union (Copyright and Related Rights) Regulations 2012. The Minister also launched the next stage of the Copyright Review Committee review of Ireland’s copyright legislation, aimed at removing barriers to innovation.

Commenting on the statutory instrument, the Minister acknowledged the desire of some interested parties that it be more detailed and more prescriptive to make it less reliant on the opinions of individual judges. However he re-stated that the High Court now has significant guidance from the European Court of Justice on the implementation of the measure and will have to ensure any remedy provided will protect companies’ ability to do business; ensure ISPs cannot be compelled to introduce content filtering; a "proportionate" response to copyright infringement; the protection of personal data and the freedom to exchange it.

Minister Sherlock said: "I believe that in Ireland we must build on our very substantial achievements in the creative and digital media industry, and become a model of international best practice for innovation in this area. Ireland is home to some of the world’s most innovative Internet companies, and we are determined to grow our reputation as a location where smart people and smart companies can innovate in this fast-moving arena.

"On many previous occasions I have outlined the reasons why it is necessary for us to proceed to sign this Statutory Instrument in order to ensure compliance with our obligations under EU law. As there are clearly many diverse interests, it is important that interested parties come together and work in a constructive way to map the path forward. For this reason I am particularly anxious that the consultation paper launched today is studied and comprehensively responded to by all interested parties."

"The challenge now is to examine what measures we can take to develop Ireland’s laws in this area in such a way as to provide the greatest possible encouragement for innovation in the creative and digital industries to take place here.

"This is a valuable opportunity for all interested parties to express their views and to make a meaningful contribution towards shaping the future development of Irish copyright law. I am confident that the work being carried out by the Copyright Review Committee, with the interaction and input of the interested parties, will result in establishing Irish copyright law on a firm footing to encourage innovation, foster creativity and meet the challenges of the future with confidence."

TechCentral Reporters

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