Minister for Research and Innovation Sean Sherlock has signed into law a statutory instrument to amend copyright legislation In Ireland.

Last month, concerns were expressed about the potential impact the legislation would have on internet users.

Mr Sherlock urged all interested parties to focus on making Ireland a model of international best practice for innovation, and "ensuring that our copyright laws facilitate the achievement of this goal."

An online petition opposing the proposed amendment has recorded over 80,000 signatures since it was started at the end of January.

Mr Sherlock has also launched the next stage of a review of Ireland's copyright legislation, which he said was aimed at removing barriers to innovation.

