The former artistic director of the Gate Theatre is expected to make a public statement after being accused of harassment.

Over the past 10 days, seven women have come forward to accuse Michael Colgan of inappropriate behaviour.

The theatre’s board is appointing a professional HR advisor to deal with any more complaints of sexual harassment.

And the Government is being urged to set up an independent inquiry.

Padraig Murray, is the president of Irish Equity, the group representing actors in Ireland.

He said: “We are a very vulernable workforce.

“You are totally depending on your current job for your next job and the feeling is that you don’t rock the boat because if you do you’re not going to work again.”