The Cabinet has approved the drafting of a new Copyright Bill, which includes 'stringent' penalties for breaches of the law.

The announcement was made by the Minister for Labour, Trade and Consumer Affairs, Mr Tom Kitt, who said the Bill would establish a 'strong presumption of ownership of copyright in favour of rights' holders bringing civil actions for breach of copyright'.

The penalties under the Bill will include, on conviction in the Circuit Court, a maximum fine of £100,000 or five years imprisonment.

It was intended to enact the Bill as soon as possible and not later than the end of July, said Mr Kitt.