Notes and Jottings

The Register is reporting that the patent vote has been delayed until 3pm. This is apparently because the Polish minister wants to make a statement on the directive. This is somewhat unusual for an “A item”, which is normally passed without any debate or meaningful comment whatsoever. In addition, the Munich mayor has called on the German minister to take the item off the agenda. However, this action would be unprecedented. More news later
Update: As mentioned on the FFII site, the Polish minister requested the removal of the directive from the agenda. And it has been. So looks like we might be safe for another short period of time, at least (until the next meeting of the Competitiveness Council).

The so-called Software Patent Directive has been tabled as an A-item at tomorrow’s Agriculture and Fisheries meeting, in spite of the current less than stellar support among the individual countries. It seems that diplomatic issues are stalling recognition that there is no longer a qualified majority, and that this should not be passed without further debate.

There is an online letter available which summarises the issue, and should be linked to where possible. Of course, the best way to proceed is to fax your local Minister for Agriculture.

Our local Minister for Agriculture is Ms. Mary Coughlan. She is in Brussels at the moment, but the department will forward on messages. The fax number for the department is 01-6614515, or you can hand in letters by hand at Agriculture House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2.