Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for raising some of the issues she mentioned but it is a pity it took more than 300 artists, actors and directors having to take to the national newspapers to raise these issues. They have raised them over the years but they have not been addressed fully. The Minister has urged dialogue but we need to go further than dialogue between those who signed the letter and the directors of the Abbey Theatre. It says something that things have got to this stage. Will the Minister agree that the national theatre itself has a role in setting an example in respect of terms and conditions of employment for actors and those within the theatre profession? Will she also agree there is a need for an ongoing conversation on the role of the national theatre now and in the future? I refer in particular to the commissioning of Irish works which directly employ Irish actors, etc., as well as ensuring there is an employment regime which encourages those who are self-employed in the industry.

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