Seanad debates
Thursday, 2 February 2017
Knowledge Development Box (Certification of Inventions) Bill 2016: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage
10:30 am
Gerard Craughwell (Independent)
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As Senator Higgins is not here, amendments Nos. 16 and 17 cannot be moved.
James 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.
Gerard Craughwell (Independent)
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It has been discussed already.
James 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.
Victor Boyhan (Independent)
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I agree with and will be supporting the Government's amendment.
Gerard Craughwell (Independent)
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When is it proposed to take the next Stage?
Gerard Craughwell (Independent)
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Is that agreed? Agreed.
Alice-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.
Pat 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.