The Chairman of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPA) this afternoon urged the Government to address the "urgent need" to protect creative works from piracy when it takes over the EU presidency in January.
Speaking to 150 Irish business directors at an Institute of Directors' lunch in Dublin today, the MPA's CEO, Mr Jack Valenti said the Republic had a unique opportunity to provide the type of leadership needed to protect the creative works of this country and all of Europe.
Mr Valenti stressed the importance of the EU's proposed Enforcement Directive, which is undergoing scrutiny by the European Parliament and by the Council.
On behalf of creative industries everywhere, Mr Valenti appealed to those involved with the directive to strengthen aspects relating directly to the issue of piracy.
He urged the Government to bring critical piracy issues to the forefront of all relevant European Councils agendas, and to also encourage the EU to discuss with Russia the rampant optical disk piracy that exists there.
Mr Valenti also met the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, to discuss the need to fight digital piracy and other issues affecting the audiovisual industries worldwide.
The Institute of Directors' President Mr Willie O'Reilly said today that piracy was theft. "If we wish to safeguard and develop creative activity then we need to respect the rights of the owners."
