Seanad debates

Thursday, 2 February 2017

Knowledge Development Box (Certification of Inventions) Bill 2016: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage

 

10:30 am

Photo of Gerard CraughwellGerard Craughwell (Independent)
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As Senator Higgins is not here, amendments Nos. 16 and 17 cannot be moved.

Amendments Nos. 16 and 17 not moved.

Government amendment No. 18:

Photo of James ReillyJames Reilly (Fine Gael)
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This is just a quick word to support the amendment which is critical to what we have discussed already.

Photo of Gerard CraughwellGerard Craughwell (Independent)
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It has been discussed already.

Photo of James ReillyJames Reilly (Fine Gael)
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In fairness, Senator Higgins indicated that she would not proceed with the other two amendments in any event.

Photo of Victor BoyhanVictor Boyhan (Independent)
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I agree with and will be supporting the Government's amendment.

Amendment agreed to.

Bill, as amended, received for final consideration.

Photo of Gerard CraughwellGerard Craughwell (Independent)
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When is it proposed to take the next Stage?

Photo of Gerard CraughwellGerard Craughwell (Independent)
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Is that agreed? Agreed.

Question proposed: "That the Bill do now pass."

Photo of Alice-Mary HigginsAlice-Mary Higgins (Independent)
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I acknowledge the Bill is passed. I would urge the Government, perhaps, as it moves through the Dáil, to reconsider some of the amendments and suggestions and arguments which have been put forward. I am happy to continue to work, and I am sure that others will, with the Department in respect of these amendments, in particular, the amendments in respect of ensuring that we have a proper tracking of information, both as to the cost of the knowledge development box and as to its benefits. I urge that further consideration is given to other amendments during its passage through the Dáil.

Photo of Pat BreenPat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Senators for their valuable contribution to the debate on this Bill. The Bill is a valuable dimension in offering innovation and is a positive development for SMEs, an area for whom I have responsibility as Minister of State.

As the House will be aware, the Bill will be in the Dáil next week. I certainly will take on board what has been said regarding the reporting provisions. Both the Minister, Deputy Mitchell O'Connor, and myself will take these on board as a result. We will try to make this a better Bill for everybody so as to ensure that we have good legislation that will be in the interests of entrepreneurs and those with ideas in the research and development sector which will create jobs.

I acknowledge the full engagement and the active participation of Senators in the Bill.

Question put and agreed to.

Sitting suspended at 1.55 p.m. and resumed at 2 p.m.