Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I again thank the Deputy for raising this important Topical Issue matter this evening. I will certainly relay his comments to the Minister. I am encouraged by what the Deputy said about the importance of the youth culture card. Every organisation providing a range of programmes, events and resources for young people, including both in-person and online events, needs to be supported.

There is an ambitious programme in the Department investing in the audiovisual sector to grow the sector, with new opportunities for younger people to participate in arts, culture and media activities. This group is also considering that we need to target it at young people. As I said, early access for young people allows them to grow within the sector. The Minister is keen to commence that exploration as an exciting concept. Given the Deputy's knowledge of the arts and cultural sector, his input will be important in how we shape this.

It is important that we have full appraisal and regulatory impact analysis on this important concept. It will need a budget and that will form part of the annual Estimates programme. The Department will make arrangements to examine this matter in its entirety. I look forward to working with the Deputy and many colleagues in this House in moving this forward as a whole-of-government approach. We welcome all contributions to the process.

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