Niamh Smyth
Question:380. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she is taking any steps to promote gender diversity in Ireland's national theatres. [8726/17]
View answerTuesday, 21 February 2017
Questions (380)
Written answers
The Abbey Theatre, Ireland's National Theatre is a company limited by guarantee under the Companies Act with an independent Board. As Minister, I have no statutory function in relation to the programming of the National Theatre or any other theatre. However, I am aware that the Abbey Theatre in particular has committed to developing policies to promote gender equality since the Waking the Feminist event in 2015 and this is something I support. On a more general level, I am considering requesting all national cultural institutions to put appropriate gender policies in place. This is something which I will be discussing with the institutions shortly.