Overview
The safety of children and vulnerable adults is paramount and all without exception have the right to protection. All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously, responded to swiftly and appropriately and all the Festival’s staff have a responsibility to report concerns. This policy conforms with the State Guidelines: Children First, 2011.

Festival Purpose
Féile an tSamhraidh provides a platform for amateur performance in Music with an educational element provided by professional adjudicators.

Who is covered by this policy?
This policy relates to children under the age of 18 years and members of vulnerable groups of any age whose needs are identified to the organisers by parents/ guardians/carers and teacher prior to their arrival at the Féile.

Festival Environment
Féile an tSamhraidh is held at two locations CBS Secondary School and GAA and is inclusive in working with parents guardians and teachers to ensure that as far as is practicable a safe environment is provided at the Féile.

Parents, Guardians and Teachers are primarily responsible for the care of their children while attending the Féile. The Féile does not act “in loco parentis” in the care of minors or vulnerable adults.

The Féile organisers request that parents/guardians/carers and teachers ensure that children or young people under their care are supervised at all times when using public areas such as toilets/ lobby areas/ carpark etc.

Any concerns in relation to patron safety should be reported immediately to Féile personnel on duty.

Performance, Practice and Changing Areas
No Practice or Changing facilities are provided by the Féile. Parents/Guardians/Teachers are welcome to accompany minors. There is an admission charge of €4 for attending the Féile.

Photography/ Video/Audio Recording/ Official Photography
Use of any kind of audio or visual equipment is strictly prohibited for the protection of all children attending and participating at the Féile, Press Photographers will be invited to attend and there will be an official photographer available in the Lobby area. They will be clearly identifiable.

Policy Review
Responsibility for the review and updating of this policy rests with the Child Protection Officer, Ms Mary Corbett who may be contacted with any concerns on 087 630 7745.