Copyright Question Regarding the Irish Dataset

Common Voice
#1

I noticed the Irish dataset uses sentences collected from speeches by the ROI president Michael D. Higgins.

I’m no copyright expert but Wikipedia says “Any work created by any officer or employee of the Irish Government or State is protected by Government copyright … which lasts fifty years from the end of the year in which the work is created.”

So do we have explicit clearance to use President Higgins’ intellectual property for a public domain project?

#2

We have contacted the original person who committed these sentences in 2018 for clarification.

If we don’t get a reply in the next week or so I suggest we remove the sentences to play on the safe side.

Cheers.

#3

"Copyright

The President’s speeches and remarks are a matter of public record and as such are copyright free."

#4

Thanks, that’s exactly what I was looking for.

Sorry to put you through the trouble.