Written answers

Thursday, 19 November 2020

Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Departmental Reports

Photo of Marc Ó CathasaighMarc Ó Cathasaigh (Waterford, Green Party)
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65. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress on the night-time economy taskforce; the work programme of the task force; the timeline for the completion of its deliberations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37411/20]

Photo of Catherine MartinCatherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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As the Deputy will be aware, I established the Night-time Economy Taskforce earlier this year on 30 July 2020 as one of the priority actions for my Department.  Key Government Departments and Agencies are represented on the Taskforce and a representative from Give us the Night and the Lord Mayors of Cork and Dublin are also members.  

We know that Covid 19 has severely restricted social gatherings and has been detrimental to the night time economy and culture of our cities, towns and villages.  However, as the economy opens up in the coming months in line with the Government's Plan for living with Covid 19, the industry needs to be ready to bounce back and to have as few obstacles as possible to develop and grow.  

This Taskforce is currently examining all the challenges facing the development of a vibrant night time culture and economy such as regulations, licensing laws, transport, and diversity of cultural activities among other issues so our cities, towns and villages which have already faced so many challenges will be able to find and develop new opportunities.

The Taskforce has met twice to date and a number of sub-groups have also been established and are working to progress various elements of the overall terms of reference of the Group.  A stakeholder consultation process is also underway with relevant sectors and interested parties who have a significant role in the night-time economy included to ensure that all views and ideas are considered by the Taskforce. 

I have asked the Taskforce to report back to me within six months from their first meeting with a series of recommendations on practical measures which will help us develop a vibrant and sustainable night-time economy.

A range of supports and measures from my own Department and across other Departments have already been established for hard hit sectors which contribute to the night-time economy including the arts and creative sectors and the tourism sectors.  However, we need even more creative thinking and innovative solutions to the challenges facing the night-time economy and I want every opportunity explored and maximised.  I look forward to the outcome of the work of this Taskforce.

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