A new copyright bill will give people with a disability greater access to copyrighted works

The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Ms Mary Mitchell-O’Connor TD and Senator Martin Conway have recently welcomed Government approval for the drafting of a General Scheme of Bill entitled, Copyright and Related Rights (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, 2016.

The provisions of the Bill will cater for the needs of people with disabilities and will allow individuals to make a personal copy of a work modified to meet their special needs.  Additionally, designated bodies such as the National Council for the Blind will be able to make multiple copies of a work to meet the specific needs of persons with a disability and to share these with other designated bodies as well as directly to individuals. 

The provisions of the bill will also for facilitate ratification by Ireland of the international Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons who are Blind, Visually Impaired, or otherwise Print Disabled. This Treaty is shortly to enter into effect with twenty signatory States.

For further information on the Copyright  bill click here.

Alternatively, if you need further information on how OHAC can assist you in providing information in accessible formats please do not hesitate to contact one of our team on 01-4151285 or e-mail [email protected]