Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister. Today, I am speaking in place of my colleague, Senator Carrigy, who unfortunately cannot be here. He would like me to convey his thanks and acknowledgement of the Minister's support for this initiative, and the debate and work that has taken place within the committee. He highlighted the fact that the recommendations in the report are to be initiated as part of this programme. The committee has heard very powerful testimony and he asked me to say that the Minister has taken on board the concerns that were raised at the committee meeting.

Senator Malcolm Byrne talked about the arts sector being a fun place and of course it is, certainly outwardly, but like any organisation, arts organisations can be stressful places due to deadlines to meet and various pressures. In some cases, if one is doing an outdoor event, one must worry about the weather, which is obviously an issue in this country. One has funding issues. One worries about ticket sales and attendance rates. These are pressures experienced by arts organisations but that is no excuse for any impact on workers in the form of bullying, harassment and of course sexual harassment.

A report has been published and the plans that the Minister has initiated are very welcome. They provide a platform that highlights the responsibilities of organisations. I have looked at the Safe to Create website and found it very informative, which I am sure it will be both for artists and organisations in terms of identifying what they need to do. I have noted that organisations are asked to produce reports in terms of the Dignity at Work programme. I see that the Minister has stated that if organisations do not adhere to the code, there can be an impact on future funding, which is important.I imagine all organisations will but, as something new, it would be the responsibility of the board and the organisation to ensure a dignity at work policy is compiled.

I welcome the initiative the Minister took with the anonymous survey. There was a high number of respondents, more than 1,300, and a set of recommendations. That led to the report and to the work that is ongoing. That has shown leadership. It is important the recommendations are taken on board on the strengthening of reporting, the consequences, as the Minister outlined, for non-compliance, and building capacity and investing further in the area.

I note the workshop roadshows taking place. There is one in Galway now, possibly ending in the next few minutes, in the Harbour Hotel. I hope that was well attended as part of the roll-out throughout the country. Is it envisaged there would be a deadline with these roadshows? For how long will they be taking place or are they ongoing? Will they be repeated? Will the dignity policies require to be updated? I know there will be monitoring and compliance, but what feedback will come to the Minister? Will it go to the Minister, or where will it go, about all the organisations?

The website is informative and lists a number of descriptions and areas relating to bullying, harassment and sexual harassment. Much of it, one could argue, is obvious, but we saw across the water yesterday a high-profile resignation from Cabinet because of text messages. It is important people know what form bullying and harassment can take. Some people may not be aware, though they should be. Having it written down in black and white so that everyone knows their responsibilities is very advantageous in terms of providing safeguards and safe workplaces for workers. We have often talked about our own roles in dignity at work policies. I commend the Minister on the initiatives taken to ensure arts organisations are complying and providing safe workspaces. They should be joyful places to work but are stressful as well.