Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I wish to propose an amendment to the Order of Business that we take No. 22 before No. 1. Item No. 22 is the Sinn Féin Bill entitled the Arts (Dignity at Work) (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2018, which is, "an Act to enable the Arts Council to ensure that funding is contingent on compliance with employment law and for that purpose to amend the Arts Act 2003; and to provide for related matters".

I commend the women in the arts who have come forward and told their stories and who have contributed to a watershed moment. I commend Grace Dyas for her bravery. However, we should be crystal clear about the fact that unacceptable behaviour, toxic masculinity and the abuse of power is not solely confined to the arts. Those who suggest this and paint this as a picture facing artists alone are mistaken.

Everybody deserves a safe culture and environment at work. We are told by Government that laws are already in place but there are legislative opportunities for us to explore, of which this Bill is one. The national and global conversation that is ongoing has not been followed up by action. In that context, Sinn Féin believes that by attaching the allocation of funding to compliance with the law, we can fast forward a change in culture and in harassment.When the State gives contracts or funding to organisations, it should expect the highest levels of workers' rights. Irish Actors Equity released a survey of the theatre sector in which 60% of those surveyed stated that they were bullied and 75% of that number expressed a fear that reporting such bullying would jeopardise their employment. I respectfully ask that the Government support this Bill. The State must do more than simply provide workshops on governance. Those who exploit workers will not be swayed by the presentations announced by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. I again respectfully ask that the Government support this Bill.