The Taoiseach has indicated that the procedure to initiate a referendum inquiry for the support of the Irish public on joining a unified patent court (UPC) with European nations would be expedited if it were to be conducted alongside local and European elections scheduled for the 7th of June.
Signs point towards a possible delay in the vote, with Simon Harris stating that the Government will make a final determination on holding the referendum in less than three months. New Enterprise Minister, Peter Burke, is expected to present a proposition on the issue at the forthcoming Cabinet assembly.
This anticipated postponement follows the overwhelming rejection of referendums suggesting constitutional alterations regarding care and family matters. These were backed by the Coalition, most rival parties, and numerous social organisations last month.
In Limerick on Friday night, Mr Harris was asked if the recent referendum failures were influencing the timing for the UPC vote. He asserted the importance of the government learning lessons from previous referendums and expressed concern about rushing the UPC process.
The UPC model aims to develop a streamlined process for patent litigation. Its decisions will be legally enforced in the participating EU member states. Irish businesses have long been advocating for the country’s participation in the UPC system since it would extend the validity of Irish patents to the 17 EU countries within the scheme.
Currently, the legislation that would facilitate Ireland’s integration into the court is undergoing review at the Seanad committee stage.
The Taoiseach added that while this issue has been under discussion for an extended period, it’s crucial to establish a suitable timeline for a referendum campaign and allow the Electoral Commission to fulfil its responsibilities. He further highlighted the urgency he feels regarding the timing, stating that attempting to coincide the referendum with the June 7thelections appears rushed.
In addition, Mr Harris was questioned on whether the government’s decision to abandon a contentious green paper on disability reforms might enable other agenda items, such as hate speech legislation, to be overlooked.
The controversial hate speech law has been the subject of significant scrutiny both from within the Government and external entities, with numerous Fine Gael TDs recently advocating for its dissolution along with the suggestions to extend operational hours for pubs and nightlife establishments.
The Taoiseach has confidently stated: “I trust that by now, post my recent ascendance to the role of Taoiseach and my relentless collaborative endeavours with my ministerial allies, we have demonstrated unequivocally that we are considerate of the Irish community’s sentiments. This is noted whether it is concerning the adequate allowance of time for the public to deliberate over referenda issues, or tending to the concerns expressed by disability communities – the latter being illustrated by the commendable decision today made by Minister Heather Humphrey, an esteemed colleague of mine.”
Mr. Harris concluded by stating: “To underpin our commitment, we’ve recently constituted a Cabinet Committee specifically addressing disability affairs, which I will personally oversee at the earliest possible convening.”