The Government has stepped up its fight against counterfeit smart cards used to gain free access to digital television by making them illegal.
Minister for Public Enterprise Mrs O'Rourke signed new regulations that have given legal effect to a European Parliament and Council directive.
Penalties of £1,500 will be imposed for the sale, importation or promotion of the counterfeit cards.
"With the advent of digital television technologies new services will require some form of encryption or Conditional Access system to protect against piracy of their services. The transposition of the Directive will ensure that Ireland enjoys an equivalent level of protection as European Union States in this area", Mrs O'Rourke said.
"These regulations will facilitate and promote the provision of information society services and will ensure that such services are easily accessible and available throughout Ireland and Europe," she added.
