Johnny Mythen (Wexford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for coming here today and I admire their bravery in tackling this heinous behaviour. It really is disturbing.

Can the witnesses from Comhaltas expand on their statement that the pace of change is slow and there can be a reluctance to accept new norms of society? Why is this the case? They emphasised the role that bystanders have to play to call out discriminatory abuse. Does Comhaltas have a binding written policy, along with its efforts to raise awareness? By law, any adult who witnesses child abuse must report it.

On the issue of a safe and respectful work environment in the arts, the Irish Theatre Institute's Speak Up survey is disturbing reading. It strongly indicates there is a serious, fundamental, hidden, harmful and invidious culture operating across all sectors of the arts in Ireland. Is stronger protective legislation needed, particularly for freelance art workers who seem to be the most vulnerable? Should a type of statutory whistleblowing system be set up specifically for the industry?

Do the representatives of FairPlé believe the Minister should include statutory binding conditions to address gender-based harassment, discrimination and sexual harassment in all public funding contracts? Would this be part of FairPlé's campaign? What is their opinion on this?

Can the witnesses from MiseFosta elaborate on what is meant by operating an honest conversation about consent? What is their definition of consent? What support does MiseFosta need? What barriers has it encountered in its campaign?