Mr. Feargal Ó Coigligh:

On 16 November, the previous Minister met representatives of the eight theatres who had signed a statement on the abuse of power and harassment. On that occasion there was a particular focus on the theatre sector. It was agreed that the Department would assist the sector in coming forward with proposals that might help to deal with this issue of culture. Arising out of that meeting, the Irish Theatre Institute, which offers support services to the industry, has worked to develop a number of proposals to put forward a positive engagement, which would be forward-looking in terms of what the sector can do or what can be done to assist the sector. The questions the Chairman has raised would be central to the discussion. The initiative will come from the theatre sector. The Department does not control it but has offered to help. We are very close to agreeing a proposal and the Irish Theatre Institute will announce some proposals in that regard, which may lead to a longer-term process. The Department has facilitated a safe space for discussion, thus allowing the sector to identify proposals for a better way forward. I think the Department will be supportive of any proposals.