Seanad debates

Wednesday, 9 November 2022

Safe to Create Programme: Statements

 

10:30 am

Photo of Catherine MartinCatherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I begin my concluding remarks by thanking Senators for raising this matter for discussion. I welcome the opportunity to speak to Members and to hear their contributions on this important issue. Since I became Minister with responsibility for arts and culture, I have striven to bring about positive change. The arts is an area that has always held a special place in my heart. I am pleased that in my time in the Department I have managed to bring about change that I hope is of value to those who work in this area. In the case of the Safe to Create programme, it is not just of value as the changes are so badly needed. As Senator Black said, she was lucky. We are very proud to have her in the Seanad. She is such an accomplished singer, as are others in her family. It should not just be a case of being lucky, it should be the norm and the standard. If we are a country that is so proud of our artists, they should feel safe in their workplace. I hope this will help to deliver that safety.

I will go through the contributions of Senators before I sum up. Senator Martin spoke first. I am glad that he placed emphasis on the signing of the code, because that is a key part of the delivery of the programme. The proposals for research in 2023 have already been received by my Department. As Senator Warfield said, the research must be ongoing. It is not just a case of doing it once, it must be a continuing process.

I thank Senator Clonan for raising the important issue of disability. I am fully aware of the issue. His contribution was based on his lived experience and was very eloquent and heartfelt. I also have met Emilie Conway. She is an inspiring person. My Department and the Arts Council are engaging with officials in the Department of Social Protection and I have also made representations to the Minister of State with responsibility for disability, Deputy Rabbitte, on foot of the meeting with Emilie. Although this issue is primarily one for the Minister for Social Protection, it is my goal to support all artists in every way possible. We will continue that engagement.

I thank Senator Malcolm Byrne for the work he did on the committee to inform this important subject. When the report was launched, Members mentioned that Senator Warfield in particular drove it. I commend him on putting the issue centre stage. That was recognised by the members of the committee. I like the idea Senator Malcolm Byrne had about mentors and leaders in this area. I fully agree with what he said about organisations that do step up and adopt the code. He will find that any organisation will find cold comfort the next time it applies for funding if it has not signed up.

I am delighted that Senator Kyne visited the Safe to Create website. I will pass his kind comments to the Irish Theatre Institute. The Code on the Road workshop is in Galway today. It will be in the Clarence Hotel in Dublin this Friday and Sligo next Monday. I can inform Senator Maria Byrne that it was in Cork last week so it has been to the south.

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