Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire. I commend Senator Warfield on bringing forward this motion. He has been a strong advocate on this issue for quite some time. I also commend the team from Give Us The Night. I was not able to make the briefing this afternoon, although my intern went to it. Certainly, those involved with Give Us The Night have been very active on this issue for a long time. During the Covid period, we missed so many aspects of our lives that we took for granted. Young people, in particular, lost two years out of their lives when the opportunity to go out and enjoy themselves was denied to them. Now is the time when we have to be particularly creative and imaginative. We should be able to guarantee not just to young people but particularly to young people that we can ensure that Ireland is the best place in the world to go out late at night, that it is the safest place to go out and that people will be able to get home at the end of the night. As Senator Ward said, that applies as much in an urban environment as in a rural environment. In the case of the Minister, people in east or north Meath need to be able to get home. In my case, it should be the case that people in north Wexford have opportunities. As the motion says, it is not just about being able to go out to nightclubs or late-night dance venues; it is also about cultural and other alternative activities.

I hope that in the discussion on this matter, we are imaginative and there is engagement with those involved in the industry and with artists. The Government’s commitment to the arts, particularly in the introduction of the basic income scheme for artists and some of the pilot initiatives to try to support the late-night economy, is very welcome. However, these are only starter steps. We have to look at ways in which we can be far more imaginative. We have to get people talking outside Ireland about how Ireland is the best place to go out late at night and ensure people feel safe when they so do. It is essential that the transport issue - and this applies as much in urban areas as in rural areas – is addressed. Unfortunately, there remains a problem with regard to transport late at night in the cities and suburbs, as Senator Ward said, and particularly in rural towns where it is as important that there is a vibrant night life. We need a complete overhaul of the licensing system as well. That is essential and I know the Minister is committed to it. I hope that in her response, the Minister will address the issue.