Michael Ahern (Cork East, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Members of the House for their support for the Bill. While having the advantage of being short, it removes a doubt that had potentially serious consequences. As pointed out by Senator Leyden and others, while the Bill will have wide application, it will cover the major exhibition planned for the National Library in June at which Joyce works will be exhibited. This will form the centrepiece of the Bloomsday celebrations. Like Senator Leyden, I wish Senator Norris well during those celebrations.

When we transposed the final elements of the information society directive earlier this year, most provisions had already been transposed by the Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000. We undertook a detailed consultation process. Many of the comments received were more pertinent to the Act than to the transposition. We are now examining these to determine whether further changes to the Act are warranted. Already, we have identified some areas where change would be desirable and I expect we will have another opportunity to discuss copyright in the House. Primary legislation may be required on droit de suite. I thank all those who contributed to the debate.