The Gate Theatre in Dublin has revealed details of an independent review into allegations against its former director, Michael Colgan.

The theatre says it takes the reports that have emerged over the past weeks "extremely seriously".

They relate to allegations and reports of inappropriate behaviour and abuse of power by Mr Colgan.

Rights Commissioner Gaye Cunningham has been appointed as an independent expert to oversee the review.

The board of the theatre say Ms Cunningham will conduct "an independent review of the matter".

She will begin her work immediately and report back to the board of the theatre next January.

A copy of her final report will be provided simultaneously to the Arts Council.

Ms Cunningham will contact any current or former staff members who have spoken out on the record.

Other people wishing to come forward with concerns can contact Ms Cunningham directly via cunninghamconfidential@outlook.ie.

E-mails already sent to an address set up by the theatre - confidential@gate-theatre.ie - will be accessed by Ms Cunningham only, and that account will be closed.

However, the woman who first publicly accused Michael Colgan of inappropriate behaviour says she won’t engage with the independent investigator.

Theatre director Grace Dyas is concerned about the current makeup of the Gate board and would only have confidence in it, if the membership were to change.