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

In a statement last week, management said it joined other theatrical institutions "to condemn the issue of sexual harassment and abuse of power in the theatre world in Ireland and internationally."

The Gate board and management said they "will listen to what people have to say".

"Our aim is to foster a safe and supportive working environment in our theatre", it said.

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 told Newstalk Breakfast: "We are a very vulnerable workforce - I mean you're totally depending on your current job for your next job.

"The feeling is that you don't rock the boat, because if you rock the boat, you're not going to work again"

It comes amid allegations made against Hollywood heavyweights Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey.