Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I completely agree with the Minister of State. I have had some engagement with the task force on changes I would like to see made in the city. It is a cross-departmental body, with involvement by the Departments of Justice and Health as well as the Minister of State's Department. One of the recommendations I expect it to offer is to do with making the city more vibrant. That will require bringing people back in to live in the city. It is a recommendation that must be acted upon.

From the perspective of the Minister of State's Department and what she can do, it is an issue that the city closes down from 5 p.m. onwards. That creates a fairly hostile atmosphere within the city. It is dark and very few shops are open. What can the Department do for people who want a cup of coffee in the city after 7 p.m.? What can it do in terms of engaging with the Minister for culture, for example, on the possibility of keeping museums and parks open past 5 p.m.? All of that will create an environment in which people want to spend time. It will encourage them to spend money in the retail sector. The Minister of State's commentary suggests that is important to her. Such innovations will see Dublin thrive. I hope she will implement them.

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