Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I want to echo the comments made by Senator Mullen. I have said before that the Legislature and the Executive both have jobs to do and at the moment, as Senator Mullen has pointed out, the Legislature is not being allowed to do that job properly. We have seen that with the comprehensive economic and trade agreement, CETA, and many other instances that have been mentioned.

Last night in the Dáil, the Government did not oppose the Sinn Féin prevention of homelessness Bill. Considering the annual report from Threshold that was launched last week, I ask that this House seek a similar consensus to speed up the passing of necessary housing legislation. Two main points stood out in that report. A shocking 45% of all notices of termination are issued because the landlord indicates his or her intention to sell the property. We need better legislation that protects long-term and even lifetime renters. It should be possible to sell properties with renters in situ.

The lack of inspections of private rental properties by local authorities has reached such a level that many landlords feel confident enough to advertise rental properties that do not meet basic standards. I mentioned this in the House last week. They know there is little chance they will face inspection. It is time we had an NCT style inspection of properties before they are advertised. That could be implemented if the political will and consensus exists.

I also want the House to know the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Media, Tourism, Sports, Culture, Arts and the Gaeltacht recently agreed its work programme for 2021. I welcome the committee members' support for my proposal to examine the work undertaken to achieve a gender balance in traditional and contemporary arts, and the need to address issues of discrimination, sexual harassment and bullying in the sector.

It is almost five years since Waking the Feminists began a year-long grassroots campaign to advance equality for women in theatre. This year, allegations of sexual assault, harassment and coercion in the Irish traditional music scene came to light through the #MiseFosta hashtag movement on social media. I once again commend the women who came forward to share their stories. It is imperative that the Oireachtas hears from those campaigning for change as well as the people in the organisations and the festivals that are in a position to implement that change.

I commend the work of FairPlé, the organisation advocating for fairness in traditional music, and the Mise Fosta social media movement that emanated from it. At last weekend's TradTalk2020 festival, FairPlé launched an anti-harassment policy to prevent bullying and sexual harassment in the performing arts sector. As we move back towards live events, it is important that organisers of any events in the near future adopt and promote those guidelines.