Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The night-time economy is a hugely important sector, as the Senator said, contributing to our economy and our cultural and creative sectors. It can have a really positive impact on our well-being and has really felt the brunt of the pandemic due to the sector's very nature. I was delighted to establish the night-time economy task force last July, and the Senator will be aware that it has been examining all the challenges facing the vibrant night-time culture and economy such as regulations and licensing laws, transport and diversity of cultural activities. A huge demand for diversity of offering and flexibility in the operating environment arose from in-depth and extensive consultations. There has been a positive indication from the Minister, Deputy McEntee, regarding the modernisation of the licensing laws. That is a really positive outcome from the ongoing work of the task force. The task force is due to finalise its report, I expect, in the coming weeks with its practical recommendations, and I intend to publish the report once I have reflected on the findings, so yes, it will be published and available to the Senator. However, we have to get much more creative in our thinking and in innovative solutions to the challenges facing the night-time economy. Every opportunity has to be explored.

Senator Warfield is correct that the current iteration of Creative Ireland will come to an end next year. My officials are preparing proposals, which I hope to bring to Cabinet, that will seek to extend the programme, in particular Creative Communities, through local authorities and Creative Ireland's wonderful work increasing access to creative opportunities for our young people. That has proven to be really impactful and I would like to see it continue. I hope to see that report in May.