Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)

I thank Deputies for a considered and thoughtful debate. Our key belief is that we cannot trample on the rights of individual citizens or businesses. We are trying to uphold that belief and all we are doing with this amending legislation is ensuring we are on the right side of EU law. Copyright is a principle to which this State adheres but I reiterate it is not a superior right for the purposes of this statutory instrument.

I disagree with Deputy Donnelly's contention. The mechanism by which www.boards.ie operates is such that if members do anything untoward, a take down notice can be issued to the website. I am sure www.boards.ie complies with take down notices where illegal activities or defamatory comments are suspected. Why would that threaten its core business?

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