Ms Rynagh O'Grady:

The Association of Artists' Representative Organisations is the first organisation to bring arts practitioners together and give them a collective voice. They are men and women from every arts discipline who have dedicated their lives to developing and honing their skills. Ireland punches way above its weight on the world stage when it comes to our creative work. Proportionately, we have won more awards than any other country, including BAFTAs, Grammys and Tonys, as well as Booker prizes and Oscars. Our work has promoted this tiny island in a way that nothing else can come close to, consequently promoting investment and tourism.

We are entertainers, educators, illuminators, healers and inspirers. We shine a light in that dark corner. We try to make sense of the madness and confusion of this world. We believe that our contribution is vital to all people. Our work is international by its nature; it is communicating. It goes from the particular to the universal. Something set in a kitchen in Connemara has resonance for a community in Cambodia.

The vast majority of arts practitioners are paupers and live from hand to mouth. Today, we want to touch on two issues and one solution. Mr. David Kavanagh will speak briefly on copyright, Ms Karan O'Loughlin on competition law, and Ms Birch Hamilton on the status of the artist.