Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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35. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will report on the work of the night-time economy forum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3543/23]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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The Night-Time Economy Forum which I attended last week in the National Gallery of Ireland was hosted and led by the Arts Council and supported by my Department as part of the overall effort to drive a more diverse and sustainable Night-Time Economy. The forum was in direct response to Action 3 in the Night-Time Economy Taskforce Report which I launched in September 2021.

Since we launched the Taskforce Report, we have seen some concrete results and progress across the 36 actions in that report but what is just as important for me is regular contact with artists, promoters and venue owners so we can talk about the issues impacting them frankly and openly and try and find solutions together and also to discuss the many opportunities out there in the Night-Time Economy.

Last week’s forum, brought together a range of international, national and local perspectives on emerging trends and initiatives in relation to the development of the arts and the Night-Time economy. The Forum aimed to encourage new initiatives and partnerships and new thinking to support the role of the arts in creating a vibrant night-time economy.

Some of the topics discussed at the forum included insights and learning from other international cities and towns and how culture and the Night-Time Economy connect in innovative ways and the benefits to artists, venues and cultural organisations of a more diverse and inclusive Night-Time Economy.

I would like to thank the Arts Council for providing this opportunity and bringing such a diverse range of people together and also to the attendees and speakers who provided important insights on their own experiences of the Night-Time Economy.

The Forum also heard from a number of artists with a disability and how they navigate the Night-Time Economy which provided a powerful insight into some of the challenges facing practitioners, audiences, venues and businesses operating in the Night-Time Economy.

I understand that the Arts Council will be engaging further on the issues raised at the forum and I intend to work with the Arts Council and others to support and assist where necessary to ensure that opportunities in the NTE are maximised. The Taskforce Report Implementation Group, which my Department chairs, will also ensure that all of the actions in the Report are progressed and that our Night-Time Economy can grow and thrive.