Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)

I will not be held to a timetable because I want to give this matter the fullest consideration. There is more work to be done between my Department and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. Given that I have been in office only since March, I reserve the right to take more time on this issue. I do not accept the argument that there are jobs at stake. It is an issue on which there is an interaction between rights holders, the "mere conduits" - that is, the Internet service providers, ISPs - and the end users, of whom there are millions. We must ensure that we get the balance right and that the legislation is correct. I am conscious of the Deputy's point regarding the gaming industry and Xtra-vision, but I intend to make haste slowly on this issue.

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