One of the women who accused Michael Colgan of inappropriate behaviour says she wonÂ’t engage with the independent expert appointed to examine the issue.

Grace Dyas was the first of seven women to make allegations about the former Gate director.

While she does not question the ability of industrial relations expert Gaye Cunningham, Grace Dyas says she has ongoing concerns about the board of the Gate Theatre.

Juliette Gash looks at how the story emerged;

Michael Colgan has said he will respond to the allegations, but no statement has been provided as yet.

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys TD, announced a suite of measures on sexual harassment and abuse of power in the workplace in the arts and culture sector, including specific initiatives in conjunction with the Arts Council on Thursday.

Firstly, the Minister has invited the group of eight leaders from Irish theatre organisations, who recently co-signed a statement condemning sexual harassment and abuse of power in the theatre in Ireland, to meet with her and the Arts Council next week.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss ways in which the Department and the Arts Council together can support the sector in creating a safe culture and environment for those working in the industry. The meeting will provide a platform for discussion, debate and ideas.

Minister Humphreys said: “I believe that my Department, the Arts Council and the leading members of theatre organisations should work together to encourage a safe and respectful environment free from abuse of power and sexual harassment. Individually, there are limits on what we can do – working together we can achieve our shared objectives."