US government officials have confirmed that they were suspending a World Trade Organisation (WTO) case against Irish copyright laws, because of a firm pledge from the Government to change them quickly.

The officials were speaking after the United States withdrew a request for a panel to look into the complaint that was on the agenda for a meeting of the WTO's Dispute Settlement Body (DSB). The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, announced on Thursday that the Government hoped to introduce new software copyright laws by the summer. One US official said the case could be renewed in the WTO if the Government failed to introduce the new copyright laws. In its original complaint, also aimed at the European Union of which Ireland is a member, Washington argued that current Irish legislation offered little protection for performing artists, translators, film producers and architects.

US trade ambassador Rita Hayes told a DSB meeting last month that the low fines provided for under Irish law gave criminal piracy "a cheap run".