Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 October 2020
76. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason sexually explicit, graphic and inappropriate content such as (details supplied) is part of the programme for children at the National Youth Theatre. [31841/20]
View answer77. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the oversight and procedures in place to monitor the content being utilised in youth programmes such as the National Youth Theatre, and ensuring children are not exposed to sexually graphic and inappropriate content. [31842/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 76 and 77 together.
There are a range of legislative measures in place to protect the welfare of children and it is my view, and the view of my Department, that all arts organisations should ensure that appropriate child protection and welfare policies and procedures are in place. If any person has a concern in relation to such matters, these should be brought to the attention of the relevant authorities and it would not be appropriate for me to comment.
Primary support for the arts in Ireland is delivered by the Arts Council and all individuals and organisations applying for funding to the Arts Council must demonstrate that they have the appropriate child protection and welfare policies and procedures in place. The full programme including details of Child protection and welfare measures in place can be viewed on the Arts Council’s website at the following link http://www.artscouncil.ie/Arts-in-Ireland/Young-people,-children-and-education/.
The Council’s overarching ten-year strategy Making Great Art Work (2016-2025) places specific emphasis on the need to plan and provide for children and young people. The Arts Council supports and promotes children and young people’s engagement with the arts through its programme Young people, children and education (YPCE). This Council is independent in its funding decisions under the Arts Act 2003.
