Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, for coming to the House to discuss the unified patent system and Unified Patent Court. While I appreciate that this issue may not necessarily knock other issues off the front pages, for those involved in developing patents and intellectual property creation, ensuring that those rights can be protected and vindicated right across the European Union is critical. We should make that process as streamlined and easy as possible.

As the Minister of State will be aware, Ireland signed up to the unified patent system and as a creative, entrepreneurial country, it is critical that we are part of it. The system has now commenced and 17 of the 27 EU member states are taking part in it. Ireland has indicated its clear intention to do so but, as the Minister of State will be aware, a referendum is required because of the establishment of the Unified Patent Court.

I have been raising the importance of Ireland joining the system for over three years. I understand the Minister, Deputy Coveney, is going to Cabinet today. I ask the Minister of State to indicate whether the referendum will take place in June along with the local and European elections. It is critical that it take place on that date. If we have a stand-alone referendum, it will be difficult to get sufficient enthusiasm around this issue, so holding it on that date is crucial.

It is essential that we start a campaign at an early date to explain exactly what is involved. One of the concerns we often have in Ireland is that referendums end up being about topics that are nothing to do with what is on the ballot paper. For Irish industry and, in particular, people who are developing new ideas or creations, it is important to ensure that patents are protected and recognised and the system is streamlined throughout Europe.

It is essential that there is a Government campaign to explain what is involved and that we also make sure the debate is not diluted in the context of a European election when all sorts of issues are likely to be raised. It is also essential to build a campaign among relevant organisations which have an interest in this area to ensure we get this referendum over the line and Ireland becomes an active member of this system.

I had tabled this Commencement matter in advance of hearing that the matter would go to Cabinet. I hope the Minister of State can confirm the arrangements.