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

I remind members, visitors and people in the Visitors Gallery to ensure their mobile phones are switched off for the duration of the meeting, as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment even when in silent mode.

We are continuing our discussion on the potential for job creation, innovation and balanced economic development in the creative economy. I welcome Mr. Brian Dalton, who is the managing director of the corporate development unit of RTE; Mr. Niall Stokes, who is the founder and editor of Hot Press; Mr. Joe O'Connell, who is the owner of Ashford Studios; Professor Brian Singleton, who holds the Samuel Beckett Chair of Drama and Theatre Studies at Trinity College Dublin; and Mr. James Hickey, who is the chief executive of the Irish Film Board. They are all very welcome here this afternoon.

Before we commence, in accordance with procedure I am required to point out 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 this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to 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. 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 their presentations should be of no more than five minutes' duration. The presentations submitted have been circulated to members. All the submissions will be considered in the context of the committee's report. I invite Mr. Brian Dalton to make his presentation.