Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Different approaches are adopted in Europe and the US to intellectual property rights. It would be an issue of contention. The EU itself is looking at its intellectual property rights framework. Many feel it is not sufficiently modernised to allow business exploit opportunities but at the same time I do not think there would be many in Europe which go to the extent of the US system which is based on fair use. That will be an issue of contention but the agreement will not necessarily require countries to change their regulatory environment. We are seeking to find a common approach. There might be harmonisation in some cases where it is agreeable but this is not about forcing a change in data protection, for example, where there would be concerns.