Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Go raibh maith ag all the witnesses for coming and discussing these issues in our Parliament and with our Oireachtas joint committee. I wish to commend some people, while at the same time acknowledging I will, unfortunately, leave out some people, for which I apologise. I appreciate the huge amount of work going on to create a level playing field in the arts and to create an environment free from bullying, harassment and sexual assault. That work ranges from Waking the Feminists to Women in Comedy and Women in Poetry, as well as Linda Coogan Byrne and the Why Not Her campaign and people who have experienced damaging behaviour and who now say enough is enough, they do not want to settle for the status quo. This is the first in a series of discussions we will have on a safe and respectful working environment in the arts. We will invite the Arts Council, the Irish Theatre Institute and perhaps the Minister to respond to our report at the end.

I commend, as others have done, the Irish Theatre Institute on its recent publication, A Call for Change (Towards Creating a Safe & Respectful Working Environment for the Arts). I would welcome people's response to that report. I also thank Dr. Úna Monaghan for the work and research she has done showing how gender affects participation in traditional and folk music.

I thank Ms Ní Nualláin for sharing her story. I express my solidarity with the people who came out to talk about their experiences online. I commend the musicians who spoke on the RTÉ "Prime Time" documentary about abuse and acknowledge that their bravery led to the MiseFosta movement online. I love folk music, I love the scene and I perform gigs, so I am conscious our traditional and folk music depends on the next generation to carry on its cultural wealth. We are the tradition bearers. It is important that young people from all backgrounds who are interested in music can learn, practise and perform in an environment free from harassment and abuse. My hope is the bravery of all those who have spoken out is reflected in action. The Minister is up for that. I note the improvements called for by the witnesses relating to the actions that follow on from the Speak Up report.

What are the power dynamics within the sector that have prevented the campaigns from reaching their goals? What are the public arts funding conditions being sought? Why do the witnesses seek an independent body? Regarding Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, I draw on the recommendations from the report. With regard to recommendation 1 in the Speak Up: A Call for Change report, has Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann considered working across the arts sector with other leading organisations in regard to recommendation 1? This recommendation states:

Demonstrate leadership and building cross-sectoral support for change.

Strong and committed leadership is needed in order to build confidence across the sector and that negative behaviours will not be tolerated and that there will be consequences for those perpetrating bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, humiliation, victimisation, assault and sexual assault.

One of the recommended actions is building cross-sectoral leadership and best practice to build a zero-tolerance approach to harmful behaviour in the arts. Has Comhaltas considered working across the sector on that? On recommendation 2, to strengthen reporting and support systems, every branch of Comhaltas must have a direct liaison person to be accepted and recognised as an official branch. They are not elected positions; they are appointed. Does Comhaltas have confidence in the support systems and reporting systems in place within branches, and do they extend to the wider events that take place around Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann, beyond the official structures?