Ireland has a software piracy rate of 38 per cent, according to a study published by the Business Software Alliance (BSA).
Julian McMenain, Business Software Alliance
The rate exceeds the European Union's regional average of 35 per cent and the US rate of 22 per cent.
BSA says the study indicates the prevalence of software piracy in Ireland and the continued need to promote respect for intellectual property and compliance with Irish Copyright Law.
"Despite the strongest Copyright Law in Europe and extensive education and enforcement campaigns, the high piracy levels continue to impact the Irish economy representing a 25% increase over the 2003 value of pirated software," it said.
The study, conducted by technology research group IDC, estimated that pirated software costs software publishers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa nearly $16 billion annually.
BSA Ireland's Julian McMenamin said Ireland continues to experience "an unacceptable high" rate of piracy.
Mr McMenamin said that the group has invested in both education and enforcement programmes in Ireland to increase awareness of issues surrounding software piracy.
He said the recent Software Audit Return campaign is an example of such activity.
"The encouraging response from Irish companies indicates their increasing respect for intellectual property and a more responsible attitude overall. However, there still remains the significant challenge of combating software piracy at all levels," he said.