Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I am sharing my time with Deputies Mattie McGrath and Clare Daly. I thank the Chair for the opportunity to speak to this new legislation, the Patents (Amendment) Bill 2011. I welcome the debate and am glad the Minister of State, Deputy Sherlock, is in the House because there is an important opportunity to link this debate to the debate on invention and the significant potential for new ideas on job creation. I expect the Government to listen to all views in the House and not to become complacent or arrogant in dealing with issues of great national importance. Deputies on all sides of the House have contributions to make, particularly by linking the debate in the issue of job creation and trying to come up with new ideas and inventions and do something to turn this country around. It is important that all politicians take this very seriously.

The Minister of State mentioned that protection of intellectual property rights through patenting is important and I agree strongly with him on that. When a person comes up with a new idea people should move to do their best in its interest. This does not necessarily mean direct involvement on the consumer or industrial fronts. I mention this point as part of a broader debate. In the past 17 years I have observed how successful the Northern peace process has been and often wonder whether it should have been patented at the time to aid conflict resolution throughout the Middle East and other areas of conflict such as the Basque country in Spain. There is great potential to market and develop Ireland as an international hub for new ideas on peace and reconciliation, conflict resolution and human rights. I see that as having potential to bring investment to the country.

It is also very relevant to the recent debate during the presidential campaign, in regard to candidates such as Mr. Gay Mitchell. I am concerned by comments made by him in recent days. Does he support the Good Friday Agreement or do his views damage the entire peace process? Does he support inclusive dialogue? I link these because they are fundamental questions that should be asked. It is important to link this point into the notion of developing Ireland as a hub for peace and reconciliation and into this debate. One President, Ms Mary Robinson, was able to reach out to Mr. Gerry Adams and another, President Mary McAleese, along with her husband, Martin McAleese, was able to reach out to people such as Jackie McDonald from the Loyalist community. That is the kind of way forward the people are demanding. That is the issue in point.

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