New copyright laws which will stop piracy of creative works such as music by companies over the Internet were supported in the European Parliament yesterday.
However, while the new laws will stop companies from operating without authorisation, they will allow consumers to copy materials from the Internet once they are for private use only.
The directive allows for libraries, museums and disabled organisations to be able to download materials freely via the Internet. Broadcasters will also be able to use archive materials via the Internet by paying for a licence.
Mr Brian Crowley, Fianna Fail MEP, welcomed the support given to the directive.
"This is a very important piece of legislation as it concerns how the EU is going to strike a balance between ensuring that a person or organisation who invents a creative work is protected on the Internet while guaranteeing that a consumer has a right of access to various creative works," he said.