Minister of Enterprise Peter Burke has indicated that the Government has decided to postpone the referendum on the EU's Unified Patent Court.
The referendum was scheduled for June 7, which also happens to be the day of the local and European elections.
"While the Government continues to believe that joining the UPC is essential and that the referendum should be pursued, it is clear to me that more time is needed for public discourse and engagement on the matter to help inform the debate," Mr Burke said in a statement
"The June elections will give rise to diverse issues and campaigns involving local and European candidates, which may crowd out a debate on the Patent Court.
"Feedback suggests that many people are unfamiliar with the Patent Court and there is not a significant level of awareness among the electorate ahead of the proposed referendum," he added.
While traveling to the Cabinet meeting this morning, Mr. Burke stated that, in all likelihood, the patent referendum will need to be postponed. He cited the Family and Care referendums, which were held last month, as examples of how long it took to tell the public.
The Unified Patent Agreement would be beneficial for industry, according to Finance Spokesperson Ged Nash, despite the Labour Party criticizing Mr. Burke for bringing the letter before Cabinet.
He remarked that asking the folks that question was a simple question.
The purpose of the referendum is to implement Ireland's decision to opt-in to the Unified Patent Court Agreement, which would unify patent laws throughout the European Union.
Seventeen EU member states have chosen to opt in to the new laws.