I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter. At the outset, I would wish to clarify that the SCOIR project recommendation does not propose the creation of a secondary publication right. Instead, it calls for a mandatory requirement for employers of researchers and self-employed researchers, to publish publicly funded research in an open repository, subject to certain exceptions. In my view introducing a mandatory legal obligation, rather than a secondary right, is an approach requiring further consideration.
The recently published EU analysis of options for improving access and reuse of publicly funded research showed that the introduction of a secondary publication right alone, has not led to increased green open access. The Commission has recently published a call for evidence on this and broader IP issues, which has been circulated to stakeholders.
My officials are working with the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment in relation to the options suggested by the Commission, including potentially introducing a harmonised secondary publication right across the EU, layered with other measures to help boost its effectiveness. It is understood that the Commission will also bring forward a proposal for consideration by Member States early next year.
In the meantime, my Department has funded the Irish Research eLibrary’s open access (transformative) publishing agreements, which have been instrumental in increasing access to research and in decreasing the costs of publishing. My officials are also supporting the work of the National Open Research Forum and the implementation of the National Action Plan for Open Research.
