Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 249: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way in which he proposes to uphold the current political agreement on computer implemented inventions with a view to ensuring that Irish and European industry can operate within a stable legal framework that protects the intellectual property rights essential for future research and development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20375/05]

Michael Ahern (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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The Council of Ministers adopted a formal common position on the proposed EU Directive on Computer Implemented Inventions in March 2005. The proposal is now before the European Parliament for its second reading. Ireland will play an active role in Council in considering any amendments which the Parliament may propose.

Ireland strongly supports the aims of this proposal and the Council's common position text. I see the draft directive as offering increased certainty in intellectual property right protection by clarifying what can, or cannot, be patented. This, in turn, will reinforce the incentive to innovate and support a properly functioning Internal Market.