Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

It is not agreed. I will explain the reason. The Taoiseach is well aware of the importance of global Internet companies to our economy and the vital importance of making clear to the world that Ireland, as a country, is committed to innovation and creativity in this sector.

We need a deeper and fundamental reflection on this question. The Minister of State, Deputy Seán Sherlock, is handling the issue of on-line copyright, although perhaps not perfectly at this stage. So far the handling of it is giving rise, correctly or otherwise, to a damaging perception of how this country views Internet freedom. I accept and acknowledge this is an evolving situation and there are very strong views on all sides of the debate.

Would the Taoiseach consider postponing implementation of the statutory instrument and allow more time for discussion, or for a mechanism within the House to have a more detailed and fundamental reflection on how we deal with this fundamental issue in the modern era? It requires further deliberation by all in the House.

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