Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We will begin the second session. It has been convened with the Minister, Deputy Martin, to discuss a safe and respectful working environment in the arts. On behalf of the committee, I thank her and her officials for engaging with the committee on this important topic and for the measures introduced by her Department in response to the Speak Up: A call for Change Report commissioned by the Irish theatre Institute as part of its Speak Up initiative. This will be our third public engagement on the topic, having received significant evidence from a range of key representative groups and agencies to date. The format of the meeting is such that I will invite the Minister to make her opening statement, which will be followed by questions form members of the committee. As the Minister is probably aware, the committee may publish the opening statement on its website following the 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 remind members again of the constitutional requirements that members must be physically present within the confines of Leinster House in order to participate in a public meeting. I will not permit a member to attend where he or she is not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to attend from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. I invite the Minister, Deputy Martin, to make her opening statement.