Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2025
976. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department is planning to regulate the prevalence of 'exploding licences' for ebooks and journal subscriptions for further and higher educational institutions. [51691/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue of restrictive licensing models – such as metered access or limited-term licences – for e-books and journals is a matter of concern for higher education institutions (HEIs) and their libraries. However, this issue has wider implications – for public libraries and individual consumers.
Intellectual property policy and consumer protection fall within the remit of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and its agency, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), respectively. It is my understanding that the CCPC and the European Commission have been examining this matter in recent years.
It is important to note that, under legislation, HEIs are academically and administratively autonomous. Procurement and the terms under which HEIs enter into contracts with suppliers are therefore a matter for each institution individually. Neither I as Minister, nor my department have a role to regulate institutions or intervene in such contractual arrangements.
I am advised that many Irish HEIs subscribe to major academic databases and journal publishers and that students can access a variety of journal articles and e-books online through their student login to the HEI library systems. My understanding is that this access is provided at no additional cost to the student, irrespective of the licensing agreements in place.
