Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the three gentlemen to the committee to speak on a very exciting sector of the economy, perhaps one that is not generally discussed although there is an individual focus on it. Mr. Brannigan referred to 11,000 people being employed directly in the creative economy. Would they all respond that they are working in the creative economy or would they say they are working in film, fashion or crafts, for example? Is the term "creative economy" widely used to describe the overall sector?

Reference was also made to the unique potential of the region. In what respects does Mr. Brannigan consider the regions to be unique? He also referred to the Action Plan for Jobs. Does the WDC have a particular role in the Action Plan for Jobs?

Professor O'Donoghue mentioned the CEDRA report, which is very important in this entire area. Does he think it has the potential to deliver or what investment is needed to expand the sector?

Could Dr. Cunningham indicate whether the university courses are geared towards the creative industries? Is there stakeholder engagement in terms of identifying courses, and what courses in particular do NUIG and other universities offer within the sector?