Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am afraid the Deputy is misinformed. I was asked two separate questions. One was on sexual harassment, and I gave a very clear answer to that. It was an unequivocal condemnation of sexual harassment and sexual assault of any sort in any place, not least workplaces. I was asked a separate question about macho behaviour in the House, to which I gave a separate answer. I will assume the Deputy is misinformed and not deliberately trying to misrepresent me or conflate two different answers to two very different questions.

It is very much my view that everyone is entitled to be treated with respect and dignity in the workplace. There can be no tolerance of sexual harassment, assault or bullying in any form in any workplace. It is very important that we recognise this. I certainly want to express my admiration for the men and women who have come out in recent times to tell their stories of sexual assault and violence against them. Perhaps that can change the culture in the future in order that people who engage in such behaviour against other individuals will think twice if they know they will be exposed for it.

With regard to the Gate Theatre specifically, it receives significant public funding, as do many private bodies and companies. The theatre is an independent body, however, and it has its own board and trustees. It is incumbent on it now to honour its obligations under employment equality legislation to establish an independent inquiry and take necessary actions based on that. The Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Heather Humphreys, met representatives of the Arts Council last night. It was an initial meeting to discuss general concerns over the mistreatment of women, bullying and sexual harassment in general across the arts sector. I do not believe for a second that the problem is confined to the arts sector. I am sure it is prevalent in all sectors.

With regard to the SAVI report, it is not a matter of money. Funding for sexual and domestic violence organisations amounted to €22.1 million this year, which is up €1.5 million on last year. That is just that part of the budget. Therefore, a survey that costs €1 million over three years could easily be accommodated within a budget that is well over €22 million. The question that has to be asked is a different one. Are the statistics we already have adequate? There are statistics - European statistics and Garda statistics. If the statistics are not adequate, is a SAVI study the best way to get adequate statistics? Is reporting a study, the methodology of which was determined 15 years ago, now the right thing to do 15 years later? I have asked the key Ministers, Deputies Flanagan, Zappone, Doherty and Harris, to come together on this to examine two questions. Are the statistics we have adequate and, if not, what is the best form of study that should be done to establish the true level of sexual harassment and sexual violence in the State? Is it to be a repeat of a study whose methodology is 15 years old or should it be something else? As I said before in this House, I have an absolutely open mind on this. It is not a matter of money but a question of whether the study is necessary and, if so, the best way to do it.

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