Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 138 and 149 together.

The Night-Time Economy is a hugely important sector, contributing to our economy and our cultural and creative sectors and it is important that we protect, support and sustain it particularly as we emerge out of this pandemic. In recognition of the importance of the Night-Time Economy, I published and launched the Report of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce last September which contains 36 recommendations/actions in the area of regulation, licensing, planning, transport, safety and increasing the diversity of activities as part of the night-time offering. I am working with colleagues across Government and stakeholders to drive the implementation of the various actions in this Report and work is well underway to implement the actions in the Report.

With regard to the reopening of the night-time economy and particularly the nightclub sector, in its decision of 19 October 2021, Government agreed that the remaining aspects of the hospitality, entertainment and night-time economy sector could reopen with a full range of protective measures in place and the wide and robust implementation of the COVID-19 pass. Nightclubs were permitted to open at 100% capacity but those attending were required to have an electronic ticket, acquired at least one hour in advance, for contact tracing purposes.

At that time, I said that my Department would carry out a review in three weeks to assess how the post 22 October measures had worked on the ground and also to consider whether there were other measures that sectors could take to assist with the public health goals. However, as the Deputy will be aware, approximately three weeks later, the epidemiological situation had deteriorated and unfortunately the Government had to make the difficult decision to impose new restrictions which brought in a midnight closing time for all pubs, restaurants and nightclubs. Subsequent decisions, based on public health advice, have meant the effective closure of the nightclub sector.

Throughout this challenging period, my officials and I and colleagues in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Department of Health and the Department of An Taoiseach have continued to engage with the various sectors that operate in the night-time economy to address some of the challenges faced and plan for the next phase of reopening. My Department recently met with the sector on Thursday 13th January. Nightclubs will be able to re-open as soon as public health circumstances permit. In making decisions, Government is always conscious of following public health advice and any decisions made to in relation to re-opening the nightclubs will be decided on the current public health advice. I will continue to work with these sectors as we move through the different stages of recovery from this incredibly challenging period.