Trinity Law Academic Appointed by Minister Bruton to Chair New Copyright Review Committee in Bid to Radically Reform Copyright in Ireland

May 29, 2011

The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton has begun a process of reform of Ireland’s copyright regime, in an effort to maximise the potential of the digital industry in Ireland.  He has appointed Dr Eoin O’Dell of Trinity’s Law School to chair a new Copyright Review Committee in commencing that process.

“I am determined that government will make whatever changes are necessary to allow innovative digital companies reach their full potential in Ireland. These companies make an enormous contribution to jobs and economic growth, and government must do everything it can to allow them to flourish and expand in Ireland,” stated Minister Bruton. “Therefore I have commenced a time-limited review of the law in the area to be conducted by three industry experts. The review will include a full consultation process with all relevant stakeholders, and the entire process will be complete within six months.”

The Review of the Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000 will identify any areas of the legislation that might be considered to create barriers to innovation, in the digital environment.

The Review Committee will be chaired by Dr Eoin O’Dell and will include Professor Steven Hedley of University College Cork and Ms. Patricia McGovern of DFMG Solicitors.

Dr Eoin O'Dell BCL(NUI), BCL(Oxon), PhD (Cantab), FTCD, Barrister-at-Law. Dr O'Dell lectures Contract, Restitution and Freedom of Expression, researches and publishes primarily in the fields of private and commercial law, and has been President of the Irish Association of Law Teachers and Editor of the Dublin University Law Journal.