Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 86:

In page 70, line 28, to delete “Government” and substitute “Oireachtas”.

I will speak about two amendments in this grouping, namely amendments Nos. 86 and 106. Amendment No. 86 is straightforward. We are simply suggesting that the word "Government" be deleted and replaced with the word "Oireachtas". It is fairly self-explanatory. We want to see proper democratic oversight in the Bill and the word "Oireachtas" is more appropriate. I hope the Minister of State will accept that amendment.

Amendment No. 106 deals with the important issue of the night-time economy. We want to insert the following subparagraph: “(r) recognition, protection and regulation of night venues."

We have an ongoing crisis in our night-time economy. Indeed, Sinn Féin introduced a Private Member's Bill on it in this Chamber. The facts are stark. Of the 522 nightclubs in operation in 2000, only 85 remain. We have heard a lot of talk from the Government about the night-time economy, but frankly there has been zero delivery to date. The night-time economy is in crisis. The national planning statement should have regard to recognising, protecting and regulating night venues, given the 84% drop in venues since 2000. We need to see practical means of support for the night-time economy in the Give us the Night campaign.

There has been a failure to sufficiently update licensing laws. Night life and night-time entertainment in cities and towns are under severe threat. Property costs, prohibitive insurance premiums, restrictive licensing laws and associated fees have a crippling effect on businesses and cultural activity. The policy focus relating to night life and the night-time economy has revolved solely around alcohol rather than the holistic community and societal benefits of night-time culture. Night life is about communities and culture for people of all ages, those who consume alcohol and those who do not.

Public transport and taxi services are essential components of the night-time economy. Since 2019, 2,562 taxis have been lost from the transport system with the resulting shortage of taxis having an impact on the night-time economy.

We should all recognise the crisis. I am surprised the Government did not include this element in the national planning statement. It is a reasonable request. I have been following the debate closely today and I noticed that to date the Government has rejected every amendment that has been proposed. I hope, for a change, that the Minister of State will give due recognition to the importance of the night-time economy and accept these moderate and reasonable amendments.