Ms Siobhán Bourke:

I thank the committee for the invitation to address it on what is a serious problem facing the arts sector in Ireland. With me today is my colleague, Ms Jane Daly. Since 2017, we have been co-leads of the Speak Up initiative under the auspices of the Irish Theatre Institute, a leading national resource organisation for the professional Irish theatre sector. The Speak Up: A Call for Change report clearly illustrates that the time for change of behaviour in the arts sector has arrived. Harmful behaviour in the workplace is not the preserve of the arts; it is a societal issue as recent reports from other sectors have shown, including law, sport, and the military. The Irish Theatre Institute’s Speak Up report lays out the evidence illustrating that change is urgent. Harmful behaviour can and must no longer be tolerated. The arts sector needs reliable supports and certainty that accountability and consequence will be observed institutionally, organisationally, collectively and individually.

It is evident from the statistical analysis carried out in the Speak Up report that the Irish arts sector has a significant problem. This research, which surveyed over 1,300 people on their arts workplace experiences, found, through rigorous analysis led by Dr. Ciara Murphy, that respondents had experienced, witnessed, or both, some form of harmful behaviours. These included bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, victimisation, humiliation, assault and sexual assault. These problems have been hiding in plain sight for years. We are calling on the Oireachtas to address these issues and make the arts sector a safe place to create.

Irish equality legislation states the need to eliminate discrimination and promote equality. This includes a right to dignity in the workplace. The Irish arts sector is a poorly paid one, even for those in employment. It is one where individuals experience precarious and uncertain working conditions. This often leads to imbalances of power and situations where dignity in the workplace issues arise, as evidenced in the survey’s findings. The pilot basic income scheme for artists introduced by the Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin, is a hugely important measure in this regard.