Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

May I remind members and those in the Visitors Gallery to ensure that mobile telephones are switched off for the duration of the meeting, as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment, even when on silent mode. We are now commencing the meeting to discuss the potential for job creation, innovation and balanced economic development in the creative economy. I welcome Dr. James Cunningham, director of the Whitaker Institute at the National University of Ireland Galway, Professor Cathal O'Donoghue, head of the Teagasc rural economy and development programme and Mr. Ian Brannigan, head of regional development at the Western Development Commission.

I draw the attention of witnesses to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I remind our guests that presentations should be of no more than five minutes' duration. Members have already been provided with the full presentations that were submitted.

I invite Dr. James Cunningham to make his presentation.