Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Falvey and his Department for their hard work on this issue. To follow on from what Senator Warfield said, the Department has chosen the cities of Dublin and Cork in which to establish pilot projects. I am surprised Galway was not included. Is there a reason it was not, given it is a leading light in terms of its international arts festival and that it will be the European Capital of Culture? It is pretty remiss of the Department not to have it included as part of any pilot project or research to move forward on this issue.

I concur with what Senator Warfield said. There is an opportunity for the more rural constituencies and counties to be involved in this initiative. Our urban areas are the hive of activity and there is great potential and outlets in them but this initiative could be an opportunity for rural areas. There are many creative industries and creative workers in those areas who probably have limited outlets and opportunities.

Is the Department looking at the opportunities this could present? It may not be an issue because it does not even consider work in terms of night life. This might present an opportunity. Could Mr. Falvey expand on that? The Minister held a symposium recently and Mr. Falvey spoke about engagement with further partners. Who might these partners be and what role might they play?