We have a fairly full agenda in that there are to be three guests present at 11.30 a.m. We will first deal with No. 4, which is correspondence. There are two items to which I would like to draw members' attention, the first of which is R162, a letter received from Ms Gráinne Millar from Temple Bar Cultural Trust requesting an opportunity to meet the committee to discuss the role of cultural and creative industries in respect of the EU 2020 strategy and the opportunities that exist to support economic and regional development in Ireland. I am conscious that we are having very many meetings at present because of the fiscal compact and these include the regular General Affairs Council meetings. I propose that we thank the Temple Bar Cultural Trust and agree to their request in principle and to meet them in a number of months, perhaps.
Business of Joint Committee
Perhaps. We should endeavour to meet the trust. There is a quite big campaign in this regard across Europe at present. There is a fund available from which this country may benefit considerably and those involved in arts and culture in Ireland are anxious to avail of it. The trust wants to be seen to be supportive of its EU colleagues and vice versa. If we could fit in the meeting, it would be appreciated.
I fully support that. We should try to facilitate a meeting with the trust as soon as possible.
We will consider that, diaries permitting.
The second item is R164, a letter from the Inter-Parliamentary Union requesting a meeting with a Swedish parliamentary delegation. We are considering a date next week, perhaps Wednesday or Thursday. Are members happy with that? We will try to avoid a clash with the Order of Business.
Are the delegates from the Swedish European affairs committee?
I believe it is just a general parliamentary delegation.
Do we know who is travelling?
They want to discuss EU policy.
We would be delighted to entertain them. It would be an opportunity to smite them hip and thigh.
I propose that we note the remaining items of correspondence. Is that agreed? Agreed.