Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Taimíd ar ais i seisiún poiblí. Gabhaim fáilte roimh gach duine. Today we will discuss the current model of production, presenting and co-presenting in the Abbey Theatre. Recently a large number of actors and others working in the Irish theatre wrote to the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, taking issue with the current approach of the Abbey Theatre to the production, presenting and co-presenting of work. The letter stated that this approach has led to fewer in-house productions and has adversely affected the earnings of those working in the theatre. It raised issues relating to the role of the Abbey Theatre as Ireland's national theatre, the consistency of the Abbey's approach with Government's national vision and framework for culture and also the funding of the theatre by the Arts Council. Given the importance of these issues, the committee is keen to develop a deeper understanding of what is involved here. To assist the committee in considering this matter, I am pleased to welcome, on behalf of the actors and others working in Irish theatre, Mr. Declan Conlon and Ms Clíona Dukes. I welcome from the Abbey Theatre, Dr. Frances Ruane, chairperson, and Mr. Niall Murray, co-director. I also welcome Ms Orlaith McBride, director of the Arts Council, and Ms Sheila Pratschke, chairperson.

Before we begin, I advise witnesses that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise nor make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Opening statements and other documents submitted to the committee may be published on the committee website following this meeting.

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 ask witnesses, members and those in the Public Gallery to turn off their phones as they interfere with the recording equipment. We want what everyone has to say to be heard clearly. Má tá sé sin déanta ag gach éinne cuirfimid tús leis an gcomhrá. Iarrfaidh mé ar dhuine amháin ó gach aon cheann de na trí ghrúpa méid áirithe a rá. Ansin tabharfaidh mé deis do bhaill an choiste ceisteanna a chur.

I will ask one representative from each of the groups to make an opening statement. We have been given advance copies of the statements, some of which are quite long. If the witnesses want to summarise their opening statements, that is fine because they will be published in full on our website. Our aim today is to elaborate on what is in those documents and to make space to address issues concerning the future of the Abbey Theatre as Ireland's national theatre. Members will pose questions when the witnesses have finished making their statements.

I now invite Mr. Declan Conlon to make his opening statement.