Unified Patent Court referendum
David Stanton asked when legislation, a referendum and an information campaign will be brought forward to join the Unified Patent Court. The Taoiseach said the court is operating, the necessary legislation and information office are being worked on, and a referendum is likely alongside the European and local elections.
Ten years ago in February 2013, Ireland, along with 24 other EU colleagues, signed the Unified Patent Court Agreement. This agreement is hugely beneficial for businesses, entrepreneurs and inventors. When will we see legislation to enable a referendum to take place? When will we see an information campaign on same, because it is complex and it is quite important that we pass this?
Comment on this
The Unified Patent Court is now up and running. We are very keen for Ireland to become a member of the court but that requires a referendum. The Minister, Deputy Coveney, is working on the legislation and on the information office at the moment. We have not set a date for a referendum yet. It will most likely be concurrent with the European and local elections next May or June but that has not been decided for definite yet.