Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Ahern, for this Bill. It is technical but important and will have major repercussions on the protection of patents in this country. Perhaps after the Bill is passed the Minister of State will promote patents and encourage people to take them out. Sometimes people create important inventions but neglect to go through the proper patent process. As such, they lose rights to those products irrespective of the benefit they would have had personally, to their companies or to the country. I strongly recommend the Minister of State and the Department promote the benefits of patents in any way they can.

The acting director of the Patents Office was anxious about this matter. I understand a new director has been appointed. I do not know whether he or she has taken up the position yet. It would be worthwhile for the Minister of State to meet the new director and make patents more meaningful. It should be as simple as possible to patent. It is off-putting to have to go through an extremely expensive process and patent agents are not always necessary.

I thank the Minister of State and his efficient and effective departmental officials. It is nice to see three ladies in such prominent positions in the House. They are welcome and I congratulate them on this detailed and technical Bill. I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Killeen, for coming before the House. I also thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach and the Opposition for being so co-operative in passing this Bill.