Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have reflected on the concern expressed on Committee Stage by Senators about the keeping of records by the Controller of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks. I am seeking to address this concern in amendment No. 2, which clarifies beyond doubt the intention that the controller must keep records of all knowledge development box, KDB, applications received, issued, refused and reviewed. The only discretion available to the controller relates to the form and manner in which records will be kept. For example, they may be kept in hard copy or electronically. I trust that this amendment facilitates the withdrawal of amendment No. 3 in the names of Senators Mac Lochlainn and Devine. When Senator Mac Lochlainn raised this issue on Committee Stage, the Minister, Deputy Mitchell O'Connor, said she would seek clarification and come back to the House with an amendment to ensure all records must be kept. In that context, I suggest that this amendment should satisfy the Senator.