Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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217. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her Department’s plans to promote inclusive nightlife; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26798/24]

Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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218. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht funding available to promote inclusive nightlife; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26799/24]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 217 and 218 together.

The Report of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce which was published in September 2021, is a Cross-Government Report containing 36 actions across a broad range of issues associated with the Night-Time Economy. A good Night-Time Economy should include a range of activities to suit all ages and interests and be a welcoming and flexible environment to do business and be creative. With this in mind, a number of actions in the specifically focus on broadening and diversifying the Night-Time Economy offering which aim to provide an inclusive and accessible night-life for all.

Last year I launched the After Hours at the Museum Scheme which supported small museums and galleries to open later, this provided a diversity of offerings in small towns and villages right across the country. Over 51 venues across Ireland received funding totalling €570,594.27. I also provided funding for three pilot youth initiatives through Garageland, The Kabin (GMC Beats) and South Dublin County Council totalling €119,060. These projects provided spaces for young people to create and perform without alcohol being served.

This year the Night Time Economy Unit partnered with Creative Ireland by offering additional funding to local authorities to run later events for Cruinniú na nÓg, catering to an older cohort of 14 to 18 year olds. €150,000 has been allocated for these events. Some of the events that took place included an Inclusive Disco in Cork County, Longford held a Pride Walk and Dance Party, they also partnered with Longford Africans Network and hosted a creative writing workshop and an African Traditional Musical Instrument Training and Demo.

My Department recently launched the Night Time Economy Accessibility Survey. The aim of this survey is to understand the experience of people with a disability, and artists with a disability, when they engage with the Night Time Economy. Once the survey closes on Monday 24^th June, the results will be collated into a report along with a set of recommendations in order to further the Taskforce’s objective of an accessible, inclusive night-life.

I have also committed funding for a two-year pilot, to recruit and support nine Night-Time Advisors in Dublin City, Cork City, Limerick City, Galway City, Kilkenny, Longford, Sligo, Drogheda and Buncrana, Co. Donegal. The Night-Time Advisors will work locally to ensure that an accessible, safe and inclusive Night-Time Economy is developed for their area.

All of these initiatives are helping to build a more inclusive and appealing Night Time Economy for all ages, backgrounds and abilities. I will continue to work with the NTE Sector, our relevant Government Colleagues and Agencies to develop new opportunities within the Night-Time Economy in support of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce Report’s recommendations.