Implemented from 28^th January, 2005.

Updated from 5th February, 2010.

Preliminary Statement: The safety of children and vulnerable adults is paramount and all, without exception, have the right to protection.

1. Purpose and Function of the Organisation:

Feis Maitiú provides a platform for amateur performance in both Music and Drama with an educational element from Professional Adjudicators and Specialists.

2a. The Festival Environment:

 Feis Maitiú invites parents, guardians and teachers to join in partnership in order to ensure, as far as it is reasonably practicable, a safe environment at the Festival.

It is the responsibility of all parents and/or guardians to care for their children and those in their care while attending the Festival.  Feis Maitiú will not act “in loco parentis” in the care of minors.

2b. Supervision of public areas during Feis Classes:

 Feis Maitiú takes all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of children and young people while attending the Festival.  Feis personnel do not directly supervise public areas at all times.  The safety of our patrons is important to us.  Feis Maitiú therefore requests parents and guardians to ensure that children or young people under their care are supervised at all times when using public areas such as toilets, café, lobby, stairs etc.  Concerns in relation to patron safety should immediately be reported to Feis personnel on duty.

3. To Whom Does This Policy Apply:

This policy relates to children under the age of 18 years and those vulnerable adults of any age who are identified to the organisers prior to their arrival at the Festival.  The Festival actively seeks to meet needs notified to the Festival by parents, guardians and/or teachers.

4. Festival Personnel:

All Feis Staff are identifiable by a Gold Name Badge, bearing the name and logo of the Feis and their own name.  The Duty Manager, will wear a White Name Badge, bearing the name and logo of the Feis and the Duty Manager’s name.  Please inform your Child to make contact with a Staff member, should they have any enquiry or experience any difficulty.

5. Preparing for Attendance at the Festival:

There is an admission charge of €4.00 per adult attending the Festival.  Concessions are available, as are Season Tickets and Section Tickets.

Unaccompanied children and minors may be admitted at the discretion of the Executive Staff.  Feis staff will not be responsible for the supervision or care of unaccompanied children and minors.  Where parents, guardians and carers are not personally attending the Festival with their children, this Policy requires that they are satisfied that their children will be accompanied to the Festival and adequately supervised by responsible adults acting on their behalf.

6. Performance, Practice and Changing Areas:

A Parent, Guardian or Teacher may accompany minors backstage.  There are no changing facilities at the Father Mathew Hall.  All participants who need costume are advised to arrive in costume.  Practice facilities are not available.

7. Photographs, Video/Audio Recording and Press Photography:

Use of any kind of audio or visual equipment is strictly prohibited for the protection of all children attending and participating at the Feis.  Parents, Guardians and Teachers are requested to help ensure that this prohibition is enforced.

An Official Photographer and Journalist from the Media may attend and will be identifiable by Name Badge or ID Card.  Any request for Photographs or Interview will be directed to the Parent, Guardian or Teacher.  Please ensure your child, Guardian or Teacher is aware of your position on the use of Photographs and Interviews for Newspaper publication.

8. Policy Review:

The Executive will constantly review this policy, improving and enhancing as necessary.