Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am reluctant to do anything that would dilute the success of Culture Night which has grown from a relatively small cultural event staged only in Dublin in 2006 to a significant national cultural event with approximately 350,000 people visiting museums, galleries, historic houses, artists studios and cultural centres across the State. Funding totalling €230,000 was allocated to the 2014 event and that is broadly in line with the funding provided in 2013. Access to all Culture Night events is free. Culture Night most recently took place on Friday, 19 September 2014 when more than 36 locations across the island participated in Ireland's most popular cultural extravaganza. A diverse mix of more than 1,400 indoor and outdoor events took place with something to suit every age and interest from live music and street performances to interactive tours and workshops. Culture Night is very successful. I attended events in Dublin and then attended one in Clones in my own county of Monaghan. This year was the first in which a Culture Night event took place in Clones and it was a great success.

I understand the Deputy's point about Hallowe'en. Currently, there are many organisations involved at local level. I am happy to talk to the Deputy at a later stage to see if there is anything we can do to support something. Local authorities get involved and the Garda Síochána puts on fireworks displays.

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