Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 126: To ask the Minister for Finance his plans regarding protecting the integrity of Amhrán na bhFiann in view of the fact that the copyright of the English language version has expired; if he will confirm which version is considered the official anthem; with whom the copyright of the Irish language version rests at this point; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1892/12]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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1In response to the Deputy's question I can confirm that copyright protection in relation to the National Anthem will run out in December 2012. The main purpose of ownership by the State of the copyright to the original version of the National Anthem was to ensure that it was freely available for general use. The situation will remain unchanged on the expiry of copyright. Records show that the acquisition of the copyright protection of the National Anthem relates to the music and English text. The State does not hold copyright of the Irish language version of the Anthem. The Irish version of the Anthem that is accepted as being the official translated version of the Anthem is the one that was written by Liam Ó Rinn perhaps as early as 1917. A copy of this version can be found on the Department of the Taoiseach's website.