Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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258. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the board of a theatre (details supplied) ratified the annual plans for the theatre; the corporate governance model that is applied between the board and artistic directors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1817/19]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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The Board of the theatre referred to by the Deputy appoints the Director(s) and sets overall strategy policy. On artistic programming, the Board's role is to ensure the Directors’ programming choices reflect strategy, showing creativity, diversity and ambition while maintaining financial sustainability and meeting the Board’s commitment to increased gender equality. Artistic decisions and the day-to-day running of the theatre are the remit of the Directors.

As Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, I acknowledge the necessity for the theatre referred to by the Deputy, as with all theatres, to have a level of artistic freedom in terms of its programming. However, I also recognise the necessity for a strong working relationship with all stakeholders including theatre practitioners. This is vital for the continued success of theatre in this country.

The theatre is a recipient of public funding from both my Department and the Arts Council. The Board and Directors of the theatre concerned have stated that their commitment to supporting the widest range of artists, making best use of its resources to bring their work to a growing and diverse audience.

The theatre's Board regularly engages with the Arts Council and with my Department, and some of the issues raised in the letter I received from theatre practitioners on 7 January had already been under active discussion between the theatre and the Arts Council in recent months. The Board of the theatre Board has also stated that the Directors’ programming over the past two years, and into 2019, reflects the policy and strategic direction.

The theatre's five-year strategy (2019-2023) is published on its website. Central to the vision is for creativity to drive the theatre, developing the artists and audiences of the future.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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259. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her contacts and meetings with a theatre (details supplied) in 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1818/19]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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As Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht I have had a number of contacts and meetings with the theatre referred to by the Deputy in 2018. On 13 June, I met with the Chair of the Board. On 13 December, I met with the Chair of the Board and the co-directors at an event to mark the launch of the theatre's 5-Year Strategy.

I also attended two performances at the theatre in 2018.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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260. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the role she has in relation to the operation of a theatre (details supplied); the reason for policy interventions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1819/19]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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As Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht I have responsibility for setting overall vision and strategic direction for Ireland’s cultural sector. I acknowledge the necessity for this theatre, as with all theatres, to have a level of artistic freedom in terms of its programming but I also recognise the necessity for a strong working relationship with all its stakeholders.

This theatre to which the Deputy refers is not a State Body as defined by the 2016 Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.It is a company limited by guarantee under the Companies Acts. Its Board consists of the Chair and 10 ordinary members.

My Department undertakes the following main functions in relation to this theatre:-

- As Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, I appoint the Chair and two of the ordinary members of the Board. Of the remaining members, one is a staff representative and seven are appointed by a Selection Committee.

- My Department provides the theatre's annual capital grant. The Arts Council provides the theatre's annual current grant.

- Funding for the theatre's development project under Project Ireland 2040.