Ms Maureen Kennelly:

In response to the Speak Up: A Call for Change report, we have introduced a new condition for all our recipients whereby they must notify us that they have taken all necessary actions over complaints of poor behaviour on behalf of a board member or staff member. We assess all applicants on the basis of their equality, diversity and inclusion policies and also in terms of their governance, which obviously includes HR.

On the wider question about the recommendations, we are involved in devising training with Screen Ireland to offer training relating to bullying and harassment, and bystander training. We will continue to work with the Irish Theatre Institute on the further implementation of the recommendations. On an ongoing basis we will continue to work with groups such as SAOI and others to hear their concerns and respond to their needs. We recognise the systemic nature of this. By driving through the equality, human rights and diversity emphasis we hope to influence change. In addition, we are assessing and scoring organisations based on how well they are doing on equality, diversity and inclusion. That will have a real impact as the years go on.

We are also committed to examining the appropriate channels for the reporting of complaints relating to our funded organisations by third parties. That is something we will be looking at during the year.