David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister's officials here today. Through the Minister and the Secretary General, I thank the officials for all the assistance and help they have given us over recent times, either at the committee or otherwise. They are always very courteous and professional.

I will start by asking about the unified patent court, which is something I have taken huge interest in. I was disappointed the referendum did not happen, although I understand why it did not. The Minister made a statement on 16 April about the need for a broader discussion on the importance of unified patents and the economic benefits that joining the patent court might bring. I understand from figures from IBEC that the benefit would be €1.6 billion per annum. Could the Minister let us know what the plan is? What will be done to bring about a broader discussion about the importance of unified patents so that people know what they are voting on? I know that legislation has almost been brought through the Houses. I think it is at Report Stage in the Seanad. Is there anything stopping us finishing that off and having it ready in case a decision is taken at some stage? There seems to be two different points of view. One is that it should run on its own and the other is that it should run with an election. I am interested in knowing what the Minister's thoughts are on this. What is happening? Denmark passed this in 2014. Ten years later, we are still fooling around with it and have not made a decision on it.