Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Ultimately, the matters raised by the Deputy in the main are issues theatre practitioners had with the Abbey Theatre. I can inform her that a meeting took place between representatives of theatre practitioners and the Abbey Theatre on 1 February. I am pleased to report the meeting was described by both parties as positive and a productive first step. They have agreed to continue the process of having bilateral meetings to deal with the matters raised by the theatre practitioners, to some of which the Deputy alluded. They have agreed to provide a progress report for the Arts Council and my Department. It should be noted the council has been engaging with the Abbey Theatre in recent months on the employment opportunities and remuneration rates it provides for Irish-based artists. The Abbey Theatre has made it clear that it pays the actors it employs the terms and conditions agreed with Irish Equity, the actors' union. In presentation or association arrangements it does not set rates of pay. That has been the prerogative of the producing companies. The Abbey theatre has stated the matter will be reviewed in the dialogue with theatre practitioners.

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