Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)

I tabled an amendment on Committee Stage, which I decided not to resubmit today. The effect of the amendment would have been to ensure that the legislation would come into effect within 12 months. While the Minister of State informed me why he preferred not to include that in the legislation, nevertheless he expressed confidence that its provisions would be in force within 12 months and I urge the Government to ensure that is the case.

I thank the Minister of State and his officials for how they have dealt with this legislation. The only downside is that because an English translation of a patent need not necessarily now be available, it will mean there is a greater challenge for Irish companies and individuals who wish to challenge a patent. Nevertheless that disadvantage is outweighed by the tremendous advantage of being able to ratify the London Agreement. It would mean less bureaucracy and less cost, and therefore a big incentive to foreign innovation in this country. From that point of view it is positive legislation and I wish it a speedy passage to enactment.

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