David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his helpful reply. I propose, in consultation with my colleagues, to withdraw the amendment and reserve the right to resubmit it on Report Stage.

In the meantime, the Minister of State referred to legal advice. I know that the advice of the Attorney General is usually not made available but reference was made to a "legal decision". I ask the Minister of State to make available as many legal documents, directives, legal decisions, court case documents and so on as possible for our consideration.

I am a little concerned about the issue of blank tapes or discs because it seems to me that they might be used for completely different purposes. They need not necessarily be used for infringing copyright but can be used for totally different purposes. Imposing a levy on them all seems, as the Minister of State indicated, something of a blunt instrument. I would like to look at that again and may contact Professor O'Dell to ask for his view on it.

Having taken into account the helpful comments of the Minister of State, we will withdraw the amendment with the intention of possibly resubmitting an amended version on Report Stage.