The following motion was handed in by me:—

"That, in the opinion of the Seanad, it is desirable that steps be taken as soon as possible to establish a Patent Office for Saorstát Eireann, and that the attention of the Government be called to the advisability of appointing a Committee to enquire as to how best this object may be effected and relations established with the Patent Offices of other countries, by which the rights conferred on patentees may be interchangeable."

Since coming to the Seanad I received a message from the Government stating that they were already considering this question of establishing a Patent Office in Ireland. They have asked me to withdraw the motion in the meantime. I therefore, with the permission of the Seanad, beg to withdraw the motion.

I hope whenever Senator Barrington wishes to bring this matter forward again that he will not be timid about it, as I think he will have a great deal of support.

I do not think there is any fear of opposition. It is only in the interests of having the question considered in the best form that I withdraw the motion.