Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein)
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The long-term systematic under-funding of the arts is at the core of where we find ourselves, following the publication of the open letter to the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht from more than 300 artists, which number has since increased to more than 400. We cannot ignore the impact of prolonged under-investment as we assess why that model has been chosen at the Abbey Theatre and pursued by the board and directors. I also acknowledge the positive work undertaken by the directors in the areas of public engagement and audience development. However, a direction that leads to wage depression of up to 25%, accidentally or otherwise, is unacceptable. Every person in the national theatre should be afforded the highest industry pay scales to reflect the stature and importance of the national theatre which should set the bar for the wider industry. I am alarmed by the 54% reduction in the number of actors directly employed by the Abbey Theatre and the move away from original works as it leads to a smaller pool of theatre work for everyone. We should not forget that artists who are not salaried continue to be left devastated by austerity. According to CSO data, artists are now earning 3.5% less than in 2013. Even those on salaries took a hit, but the work for self-employed persons disappeared, with the Arts Council budget which from 2008 reduced from €82 million to €56 million in 2014.

At this point, in gradually improving funding circumstances, the Abbey Theatre and other well funded organisations have to lead the way on pay and conditions for those who are not on a salary. The Arts Council funds theatre more than any other art form and more than half of that budget goes to the Abbey Theatre. I have three initial questions for the Abbey Theatre. Will it commit to trying harder? Will it guarantee that it will lead by example before the year is out? I understand the Abbey Theatre programme is set from now until the end of the summer. What measures can the theatre take immediately and what will have to be put on the long finger, given the commitments that have been made in the programme this year?