Acting Chairman (Deputy Anthony Lawlor):

We have two schedules, Schedule A and Schedule B. Two linked EU proposals are listed in Schedule A, while 13 proposals are listed in Schedule B for decision. I propose to deal with the proposals listed in Schedule B first. Is that agreed? Agreed. It is proposed that the proposals listed in Schedule B do not warrant further scrutiny. Is that agreed? Agreed.

We now come to the proposals listed in Schedule A. COM (2013) 161 is a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and the Council amending Council Regulations (EC) 207/2009 on the Community trade mark, while COM (2013) 162 is a proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and the Council to approximate the laws of the member states relating to trade marks. The objective of these combined measures is to foster European innovation and economic growth by making trade mark registration systems all over the European Union more accessible and efficient for businesses.

Discussion at EU level on the proposals is due to commence this month. The Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation is conducting a consultation process with Irish stakeholders on the proposals and it has stated that no subsidiarity issues arise.

The protection of trademarks is a significant issue for Irish businesses and the Department has broadly welcomed the proposals with some reservations expressed about some aspects. It is proposed that these proposals warrant further scrutiny. It is suggested that initially the Department be requested to update the committee on the outcome of its consultation with the stakeholders which is currently ongoing. Following this the committee can then consider whether additional scrutiny is necessary. Is that agreed? Agreed.