John Halligan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I can only say it as I see it and as I have been informed, and I have been in discussion with both Departments. I reiterate that my Department and the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht have already been actively working together on this issue for some time. I can only give my word without passing the buck on this. We want a robust regulatory framework put in place. I assure the Senator, as I have assured Deputies, that this is already happening. The Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has direct responsibility for the National Library, and the policy includes funding and governance. We have no alternative but to liaise with that Department. We will make a copyright amendment when needed.I understand where the Senator is coming from but it is obligatory for us to co-operate with that Department. The Minister has direct responsibility for the National Library of Ireland and its policy, which includes governance and funding, as I mentioned. I know from speaking with my officials we are already doing that and over the past number of months both Departments have been engaging.

There is no problem with giving regular updates to the Senator and it is not just a question of me leaving the Chamber, saying thanks and that in 12 months everything will be sorted.