Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I warmly congratulate the Leas-Chathaoirleach on his unanimous election and concur with the kind words offered by Members on all sides of the House. I welcome the Minister of State. He and I have become familiar faces to each other over the past five years and I am glad to see his return. I thank him and his Department for introducing this Bill and wish him well in the months, if not years, that lie ahead.

Fine Gael accepts the Bill, although we have some comments to make. However, such a consensus may not be repeated. Fine Gael, strengthened greatly in numbers and facing a brittle Government of many different parts, will offer vigorous opposition in the forthcoming period. The recent election, of which my party is both proud and disappointed, has changed the political landscape in this country. As democrats, we accept the result and I warmly welcome all Senators who have been elected or appointed to this House.

The Bill itself is not particularly contentious. The Department states that under the Bill authors will be conferred with an exclusive right to allow the lending of their works in public libraries. The legislation foresees the establishment under regulations to be brought forward of a public lending remuneration scheme under which authors would receive a royalty payment for the lending of their works. However, while I am sure we can all agree the merits of that, other issues ought to be raised. I am glad to note the Minister of State intends to bring amendments on Committee Stage.

The Government's record in the area of copyright is less than stellar. In 2004 the Government was forced to introduce emergency legislation after it had paid €12.6 million in 2001 for more than 500 sheets written by James Joyce, including drafts of eight episodes of Ulysses and proofs of Finnegans Wake. The material was to form the centrepiece of the National Library's James Joyce and Ulysses exhibition but the author's estate warned the library that the exhibition could breach copyright legislation. The purpose of that legislation was to remove any doubt as to the right of any person to place literary or artistic works protected by copyright or copies thereof on public exhibition without committing a breach of copyright.

In welcoming the Bill it should be pointed out that the legislation is simply bringing Ireland into line with the EU directive on rental and lending. This is yet another example of how the EU is a force for good in this country and other members states. In that regard, I am delighted at the Green Party's Pauline conversion to the European cause.