Minister Hanafin clarifies speculation on possible changes to copyright law

Responding to speculation regarding possible changes to copyright law, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Mary Hanafin TD, today [Thursday] said: ‘there is absolutely no truth in the rumour circulating in the media that I am about to sign a statutory instrument relating to the Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000 and/or the EU Copyright Directive 2001.’

Minister Hanafin said that ‘in light of the recent High Court decision in the case of EMI & Others vs UPC my Department has been working, in consultation with the Attorney General’s Office and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, to address the question raised in regard to Ireland’s compliance with the EU Copyright Directive. However, these consultations have not concluded and there is no question of legislation being rushed through by me as the responsible Minister.’

Concluding Minister Hanafin said: ‘it would be normal practice within the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation to consult all the relevant stakeholders in advance of legislation such as this being enacted. I would expect that this consultation will take place when the Department and the new Minister have a clearer view of the best way forward on this issue.’

ENDS