Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I remind members, visitors and people in the Visitors Gallery to ensure their mobile telephones are switched off for the duration of the meeting, as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment even when in silent mode.

We will now proceed to discuss the potential for job creation, innovation and balanced economic development in the creative economy. I welcome Mr. Patrick Walsh, managing director of Dogpatch Laboratories; Ms Maureen Conway, principal of Ballyfermot College of Further Education; Ms Anna-Marie O'Rourke, project co-ordinator of the Harnessing Creativity Project; Mr. Cathal Gaffney, chief executive officer of Animation Ireland; Mr. John Phelan, consultant with the Dublin Business Innovation Centre; and Ms Orlaith McBride, director of the Arts Council of Ireland.

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 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.

The presentations from our guests should be of no more than five minutes duration. The presentations have been circulated to all of the members of the committee, and all of them will be considered in the context of the committee's report. I invite Mr. Patrick Walsh to make his presentation.